[0:07] [snorts and clears throat]

[0:11] Yeah,

[2:03] executive session. Everyone's on board. Everyone's here. Go ahead and fire it

[2:06] up. >> Okay. Good afternoon, council and

[2:10] guests. Uh today is Tuesday, September 1st, 2026.

[2:14] It is very close to 5:00 p.m. and I will call this regular council meeting uh

[2:19] regular meeting of the Berry City Council to order. First item on the

[2:23] agenda is any adjustments to and approval of the agenda. Yes.

[2:28] » Uh I would just like to request the item C, the flood resiliency update. We

[2:32] basically consider the auditorium update as the flood resiliency update and move

[2:35] it off the agenda officially. >> So noted.

[2:39] » Thank you, >> Mr. Acting. Any adjustments to the

[2:42] agenda? >> Yes, sir.

[2:44] » Council. Okay. Motion to approve would be in order.

[2:48] » So move second. >> Thank you. It's moved and seconded. Is

[2:51] there any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor, the motion is presented.

[2:55] Please signify by saying I. >> I.

[2:57] » And those opposed. The agenda is approved. A motion to go into executive

[3:03] or for findings, excuse me. Uh for executive session, we're going to be uh

[3:08] talking about personnel, specifically the city manager search.

[3:11] » So move. >> Thank you. It's moved and seconded. Is

[3:14] there any discussion? >> Hearing none. All those in favor, the

[3:18] motion is presented. Please signify by saying I.

[3:20] » I. >> And those opposed. Thank you. And a

[3:23] motion to enter executive session would be in order.

[3:26] » So moved. >> Thank you. Moved and seconded. And we

[3:29] will be asking uh what the heck? We can ask everybody here to join us. We can

[3:34] [laughter] ask. Council will be joining us. The acting will be joining us. These

[3:38] nice folks will be joining us. Cheryl, you can join us. Hey, IT dude, you can

[3:42] join us, too. [laughter] >> We like you. Uh it

[3:47] » it's all good. We tr if we didn't trust you, you wouldn't be sitting in this

[3:50] room. So >> but thanks any like no I'm going home

[3:53] [laughter] like I'm out of here

[3:56] » I do have one which is that Dominic Cloud will be joining us but he he's

[3:59] running a little bit late. He is on his way from Randolph. Hopefully not

[4:02] speeding too much >> but you can let him into the U

[4:05] » Yeah. I told him that he should knock on the door that it will be closed and be

[4:08] an executive session and he can just he'll be here in person.

[4:10] » Do you want me to put up a sign >> in maybe 5 10 minutes? Sure.

[4:13] » Do you want me to put up the sign? Oh, no one ever, you know, most people don't

[4:17] come. They don't come here. I mean, you can if you'd like.

[4:20] » Someone came in. Thing is, I don't think they're

[4:22] » Oh, thanks, Brian. >> You need at home about

[4:26] » Thank you, Brian. >> Okay, motion is made and seconded. Is

[4:30] there any discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor of the motion is

[4:34] presented, please signify by saying I. I. Those opposed. Motion carries.

[4:38] Council will be in executive session just a moment.

[1:02:46] One sec. >> Thank you. Sonia,

[1:02:48] » do you need us to wait? >> No.

[1:02:50] » No. >> Okay.

[1:02:52] » Okay. We are Thank you. >> So, we are we are unmuted and uh and we

[1:02:58] are back live. So a motion to exit executive session would be appropriate.

[1:03:02] » So moved. >> Second.

[1:03:03] » Thank you. It's moved and seconded. Is there any discussion?

[1:03:08] » Hearing none. All those in favor of the motion is presented. Please signify by

[1:03:12] saying I. >> I.

[1:03:13] » And those opposed. Council is in open session. And uh so I would call for item

[1:03:18] four on the agenda, which is visitors and communications. Is there anyone

[1:03:24] wishing to address the council regarding an item that is not on the agenda? Burn

[1:03:28] Rose.

[1:03:32] » Okay. Thank you, Mayor. >> Can you hear me?

[1:03:36] » I'm working on it >> barely.

[1:03:38] » Yeah, we're working on it. Sorry, Bar. Give a second.

[1:03:40] » Yep. >> Is it output volume?

[1:03:45] [laughter] >> Sorry.

[1:03:48] » TVs.

[1:03:52] [clears throat and cough]

[1:03:54] » Oh, yeah. That's better. Okay. Try it again. Burn.

[1:03:58] Hi everyone. You look fantastic tonight. >> Did you hear that?

[1:04:04] » Yes. >> Oh, good. [laughter]

[1:04:07] » Especially you, Mr. Mayor. You look really awesome.

[1:04:11] [laughter] >> Can you hear her?

[1:04:14] » Can there's a lot of background noise right

[1:04:18] now. >> Yeah.

[1:04:21] » Hey, if we can't have fun, right? Um, I have a couple of things and I'm just

[1:04:26] going to read them to you. Um, and then as um as people are able to address them

[1:04:33] uh in their work, that would be wonderful. So, could we please put out

[1:04:38] the sandwich board in front of city hall alerting residents to the upcoming

[1:04:44] school vote on subber September 15th and on the eboard for the civic center. So

[1:04:51] many people do not realize we're having a school vote and it's important for us

[1:04:55] all. Um the next thing is although larger stones have filled in the

[1:05:01] washouts on our street, they are dislodged by heavier rains and DPW has

[1:05:09] to then come and move them out of the street and they also fill my neighbor's

[1:05:14] yard. I hope that going forward the city will repair replace drains when repaving

[1:05:22] as not doing that is causing our street to also be undermined and every storm.

[1:05:29] And I just want to thank the DPW workers, the water and sewer workers

[1:05:34] because they have just all been out straight for their hard work in all

[1:05:38] kinds of weather. And lastly, there is an amazing event coming up at the Berry

[1:05:44] City Elementary Middle School. It's put on by the Flynn Theater and it's called

[1:05:50] Playing Fields. All are welcomed and it's free. It's Tuesday, September 8th

[1:05:57] from 6 to 8:00 p.m. And it's really looks like it's going to be quite an

[1:06:02] event out outdoors. I I've never been to one, but they're doing them all around

[1:06:07] Vermont as a way to give back to our communities. So, thank you very much for

[1:06:12] hearing these things. And um uh Miss uh Cheryl, I will be happy to send you a

[1:06:18] little blurb about each of these things if you would like that.

[1:06:22] » Thank you, Bar. >> Thank you.

[1:06:23] » You're welcome. >> If I may briefly address, I drove by and

[1:06:27] noted that the election is on the Eboard >> um for the Civic Center already, so we

[1:06:32] can check that off. Great. Thank you. >> Okay. Anyone else under visitors and

[1:06:39] communications? Okay. Hearing and seeing no one, council will move on to the

[1:06:44] consent agenda. We'll be approving the minutes of the regular meeting of 82526.

[1:06:50] We will be ratifying Alan McCulla's Adam McCulla's appointment as tree warden.

[1:06:54] will be approving resolution 2026-13 which is to apply for a tier B status

[1:07:01] with the land use review board. There was quite a bit of information in your

[1:07:05] packet on that. Uh do you have any office license? The clerk has no office

[1:07:10] licenses or permits and I don't believe you have any contracts for signature. So

[1:07:14] a motion to approve would be in order. >> So moved.

[1:07:17] » Thank you. >> Second

[1:07:18] » and moved and seconded. Is there any discussion or questions? Yes. uh just

[1:07:22] brief discussion uh which is that I'm pleased that we are about to ratify Adam

[1:07:26] McCulla as the tree warden. We've already picked up a conversation um

[1:07:30] Carol and Adam and I um because there are some weird and conflicting pieces of

[1:07:34] ordinance about the tree warden and um the activities. So we are taking a look

[1:07:39] at them to make them make sense. So you may see that in a future council

[1:07:42] meeting. >> Awesome.

[1:07:45] Any other questions or discussion? Yes, >> I have um I just have a question. Under

[1:07:51] new business under the um CDBGDR applications,

[1:07:57] we talked about that says the plan includes green space and housing in the

[1:08:01] WBY Park space. Was it the Wii Park space or was it the front?

[1:08:05] » No, it was the the housing would be located at Wii Park and then the other

[1:08:10] » and then the green space would be in front. Yeah. Where

[1:08:14] » I apologize, I forget the uh addresses. Janet probably has them memorized. What

[1:08:19] are >> what are the properties that encompass

[1:08:21] the green space and the DR applications? It's five

[1:08:24] » 553 North Main 545 North Main 531 North. >> Okay. I was confused. So, thank you for

[1:08:31] that clarification. And then one more thing under the high watermark project.

[1:08:36] Um >> Danielle Ozarkski, it's Jim Dashler and

[1:08:40] I can get you the proper spelling of that name. I don't have it. But I just

[1:08:43] wanted to make sure that it's correct in the minutes. And that's all. Thank you.

[1:08:47] » You're welcome. Any other questions or discussion? Hearing none. All those in

[1:08:52] favor of the motion is presented. Please signify by saying I.

[1:08:56] » Those opposed. Thank you very much. Council will move on to item 5A on the

[1:09:02] agenda. We'll be approving the city warrants for the week of 926.

[1:09:06] A motion would be in order. >> So moved.

[1:09:10] » Moved and seconded. Thank you. Is there any discussion? [clears throat]

[1:09:14] Hearing none. All those in favor of the motion is presented. Please signify by

[1:09:17] saying I. >> I.

[1:09:18] » And those opposed. Motion carries. Any abstensions? No. Thank you,

[1:09:25] » M. City Clerk. >> Yeah.

[1:09:26] » How are you? >> I'm doing well. Thank you. Um, we are

[1:09:30] going to start with the Berry Unified Union School District budget revote. Um,

[1:09:36] is scheduled again for Tuesday, September 15th. Elections will be again

[1:09:41] at Alumni Hall from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. All ballots must be returned by 700

[1:09:48] p.m. on that date to count. Um, currently we have issued 449

[1:09:54] absentee ballots and have received 156 back. In addition to Tuesday the 15th

[1:10:02] being election day, it is also the deadline for the first quarter of

[1:10:06] property taxes. And because we uh the city no longer no longer accepts

[1:10:13] postmarks as um a timeline for receiving them, they must be in the city clerk's

[1:10:20] hands or office by um Tuesday, September 15th at 4:30

[1:10:26] p.m. Um next, water and sewer bills were

[1:10:32] mailed out on Friday, August 28th. The due date is Wednesday, September 30th.

[1:10:37] And again, all payments must be received in the office by 5 uh excuse me, 4:30

[1:10:43] p.m. on that date to be considered timely.

[1:10:47] And last but not least, BYSA football is scheduled to hold a queen drop Saturday

[1:10:53] the 5th on Main Street in front of Domino's.

[1:10:59] » Thank you. Any questions, council? You you needed that, right?

[1:11:06] resolution. >> Okay.

[1:11:09] » And door. Yes. >> Yep. So, no questions, council. We'll

[1:11:13] move on to uh liquor and cannabis control board. I don't think we have

[1:11:17] anything on the agenda there. >> We will move on to the acting city

[1:11:21] manager report. >> All right. Chief, how are you?

[1:11:24] » I am well, thank you. We had um Alberta Miller is our executive office assistant

[1:11:31] here in city hall. Um she started yesterday. Um, Carol and Jeie and Janet

[1:11:38] have been working with her, uh, getting her up to speed on some things. She's

[1:11:42] doing really well. Um, Janet and her team successfully submitted the round

[1:11:48] three CDBGDR, I can never say that, application for

[1:11:53] 143 North Main and the North End buyouts and housing.

[1:11:57] Nine River Street was just awarded under the FEMA FEMA buyouts. Um that leaves

[1:12:02] just two yet to be awarded, three Dicks and eight Harrington.

[1:12:07] In the fire department deputy chief process phase two is underway this week

[1:12:11] with interviews. And then lastly, all things paving and construction continue.

[1:12:18] I think we're keeping the car washes in business. Um as you look around the

[1:12:23] city, there's there's a lot of dust flying. Um SD Ireland is coming in to

[1:12:29] put a top coat on Camp Street and then they're going to be beginning the

[1:12:33] overlay on South Main and Washington next week.

[1:12:37] » And tell me what happens to traffic while

[1:12:41] they're doing that. >> So the tra the overlay you mean?

[1:12:44] » Yeah. >> So they're going to be doing the uh

[1:12:46] overlay at night. Um they're going to be working. It's all night work.

[1:12:52] » [clears throat] >> One of the um things that Brian had said

[1:12:55] that they wanted to do first was the uh 62 Maple North Main intersection because

[1:13:02] of the [sighs and gasps] >> the roller coaster.

[1:13:06] » The roller coaster. Yeah. [laughter] Um so they're they're going to be doing

[1:13:10] that first, I believe. Um and then they're they're doing Washington South

[1:13:15] Main. I'm not sure which one they're doing first coming down, but that's all

[1:13:18] night work. It's night work and they will maintain one lane of traffic.

[1:13:23] » Correct. Gotcha. Yes. Okay. >> There is there is some work going on up

[1:13:26] on Washington Street. There's uh at Highland in Washington where the wash

[1:13:31] out is um there's a three-day thing they're working on that may be down to

[1:13:37] one lane, but they're looking at a different way to do it so it doesn't

[1:13:41] have to be three full days. >> Gotcha.

[1:13:43] » Because that would cause some concern. >> Yes, it would. Any questions, council?

[1:13:49] So, we're getting it done. Do you know when they're going to complete the

[1:13:53] railroad crossing on Hill Street, like the paving?

[1:13:56] » I think it's next week. Okay. >> But I'm not sure. I can look into that.

[1:14:00] » So, that will probably close that street probably for the day.

[1:14:05] » Yes. >> And that's always a bit of a challenge.

[1:14:09] if they could, you know, if there's any way that they could delay that even

[1:14:13] until 8:30 when the buses go through, it just makes such a huge difference.

[1:14:19] » You know, it it really does. And then take a little break when the buses go

[1:14:22] back. Um you don't realize how much you miss West Patterson Street until. And

[1:14:28] no, we're going to be talking about this winter that that that this winter there

[1:14:32] are two streets in Barry that remain closed because of the 23 storm. One is

[1:14:37] West Patterson and I think we all recognize especially with the

[1:14:40] construction on South Main and Hill Street, we all recognize how how really

[1:14:45] important that that street is. And then of course Nelson which is much much less

[1:14:51] important but people still miss it. Uh so this winter we are going to have a

[1:14:56] contra conversation [clears throat] with Brian about how how we get West

[1:15:00] Patterson open. What is the cost? How do we do it? What is the timeline? It's

[1:15:04] just, you know, one of those things where it's you miss it when you miss it.

[1:15:09] And then when you sit here in the council chambers, not when we're talking

[1:15:12] about other priorities and paving and infrastructure, not so much. But it it's

[1:15:17] been quite a while. >> It's like Holden Street in Berry Town. I

[1:15:20] went up it today. It's been 4 years. It's gorgeous. And people take that

[1:15:25] shortcut. >> Yeah. [laughter]

[1:15:28] So, yeah. So, we figured it out and we'll be and it's, you know, people

[1:15:33] deserve you. We haven't we've had our challenges. We haven't revisited. Um, so

[1:15:39] what I'd like to do this winter is well, let's make a decision. Either it's going

[1:15:43] to be permanently closed and we'll make it that way. Uh, or we're going to work

[1:15:49] to get it open. It It's kind of got to be one or the other.

[1:15:54] » I just would jump in briefly, Mary, to build on the the road work. Um, they've

[1:15:59] been working on Seminary Street, which is right around the corner from my

[1:16:01] house. So, I've been without water during the day for two days, which has

[1:16:04] been a bummer for me, but the communication was superb. I had a big

[1:16:08] old orange note that was briefly terrifying taped to my door. [laughter]

[1:16:12] But I brought it inside and taped it over my sink so I would not open the

[1:16:17] faucet during those days. I pulled out the camping kit and drew water in the

[1:16:21] big bin there for during the day for the couple of days. Um, and I saw them on

[1:16:25] all the other houses on on my on the streets in my neighborhood. So, um,

[1:16:29] yeah. So, just props for for the communication and the sharing out ahead

[1:16:32] of time, and it's an important project. I'm glad it's getting done.

[1:16:35] » Cool. Okay. Anything else for the acting

[1:16:41] manager? Okay, council. Then we will move on to item 9A on the agenda. We

[1:16:46] need to appoint a berry representative to the BCRD

[1:16:50] Vermont Community Leadership Summit. What are your thoughts? [laughter]

[1:16:56] My thoughts are that I've dropped the ball on this a little bit. Um, but I had

[1:16:59] a couple of suggestions um for folks that could be uh great representatives

[1:17:04] of of the Barry community. Um Josh Jerome uh who has served Aly on the city

[1:17:09] manager search committee as well as the director of the BAC. Um Po Matino who is

[1:17:15] a wonderful servant on the police advisory committee and is also the

[1:17:18] executive director of the Rainbow Bridge uh community center downtown.

[1:17:22] Um and there are a number of members of city staff who could also tremendously

[1:17:26] benefit from this opportunity as well. Um Janet Shatney comes comes top of mind

[1:17:32] uh for me. So those are a couple of ideas I had ahead of time. Um I don't

[1:17:35] know if other folks want to suggest names or

[1:17:39] » where' Janet go? She was just here. >> I know. Well, we got we we passed we

[1:17:43] passed the uh land use. >> No, that's okay. She's had she's had a

[1:17:47] long day, so I imagine she wanted to get home. Um, you know, my my thought was um

[1:17:54] my thought was Janet and uh if Janet is um if Janet is uh unwilling or her

[1:18:04] schedule simply I don't think Janet would be unwilling if her schedule

[1:18:07] doesn't allow then we [clears throat] I was going to let the acting and Carol

[1:18:14] pick an alternate. >> No.

[1:18:18] » No. [laughter] I didn't ask you. I said pick an alternate because and and those

[1:18:24] names that you presented council both wonderful names. All three were

[1:18:29] wonderful names. But >> but again uh if it's something that

[1:18:32] Janet is interested in in attending >> um I know most of the time her work

[1:18:38] schedule prevents her from attending a lot of these events. I don't want to do

[1:18:41] I really want to give her this opportunity. She worked very hard

[1:18:44] getting the DR applications in. So if if Janet would like that opportunity, uh

[1:18:50] I'm fine with that. So I don't think we need a formal motion necessarily. You're

[1:18:54] all okay with that. We'll offer to Janet first. And if not, we'll let Carol and

[1:18:59] uh the acting uh pick an alternate and if you want to work with them on that.

[1:19:04] Yes. >> Yeah. Go right ahead cuz I think you

[1:19:06] know those are all wonderful names. >> Okay. We'll move to item 9B on the

[1:19:12] agenda. This is the update on the auditorium renovations project. Mr.

[1:19:18] Baker, how are you? >> I'm good.

[1:19:22] Council, you did have some information on the packet in this regard. Take it

[1:19:26] away. Uh, make a long story short, we are at the

[1:19:31] mercy of USDA approving our drawings and our the

[1:19:37] drawings for the the PL. We are at USDA's

[1:19:42] whim on when they can approve them. We are now eight weeks into that process.

[1:19:49] » We are eight weeks into it and they have not approved the drawings.

[1:19:53] » They uh they approve they came back with one set of questions. [clears throat]

[1:19:59] They and we sent them back and we still haven't heard back from them.

[1:20:04] » Okay. >> Uh and what does that do to the

[1:20:07] schedule? uh it is pushing us way back right now.

[1:20:12] Um we did swap out the boilers that we're going to be putting in going from

[1:20:18] a one piece unit to a sectional unit. It cuts the lead time from 12 weeks to 8 uh

[1:20:24] 6 weeks. And uh we're just kind of waiting right

[1:20:29] now to to see if we can get it in this year

[1:20:33] » if we can >> if we can get the get this renovation

[1:20:36] done in this this year before we open up again at Thanksgiving.

[1:20:41] » Okay. And as a council, who could we possibly

[1:20:46] speak with? I mean, I'm I'm sure you're doing a great job, but

[1:20:51] » push with the the federal government. >> How about a contractor? Mhm.

[1:20:56] [clears throat] >> The contract we right now we are waiting

[1:20:59] on the federal government, >> but the person that we hired to do it,

[1:21:03] they they must have some insight with them. They've gone through the process

[1:21:07] before, I would assume. No, >> I don't believe so. And but we're still

[1:21:13] waiting on the federal government to okay it.

[1:21:18] And uh so straight up I'm a little disappointed

[1:21:23] that this is the first we're hearing about this and and honestly kind of

[1:21:28] surprised. Um how long? So we've been waiting for

[1:21:32] how many weeks? >> 8 weeks.

[1:21:34] » 8 weeks for a simple drawing and and what exactly are the drawings that they

[1:21:40] need to approve >> the all the work the renovations we're

[1:21:44] doing to the auditorium? all of them, >> even the uh the MERP grant. We are now

[1:21:52] at the point where we probably can split that out.

[1:21:57] That's the for uh the auditorium, >> right?

[1:22:01] » So, we maybe we lumped them together to try to get as much bang for the buck as

[1:22:06] we could between the two >> two grants. So, we're waiting for them

[1:22:12] on the CDS, the congressional directed spending.

[1:22:16] » Yeah. >> Which far and away, I mean, if you look

[1:22:18] at the budget, >> Yeah.

[1:22:20] » um the other two grants are roughly half million bucks and the uh CDS

[1:22:25] congressionally directed spending grant is 3.5 million.

[1:22:29] » 3.5. >> So, that I mean essentially it's the

[1:22:31] whole project. >> That's the project. Yeah.

[1:22:34] So, we're kind of >> waiting in plan working on plans B, C,

[1:22:40] D. >> So, is this the first time that Rearch

[1:22:44] has worked with um a CDS grant? >> I believe they've had a couple.

[1:22:50] » Okay. >> I'm not sure.

[1:22:52] » Yeah. No, and I'm Tom, I don't mean I mean I'm not sitting here blaming

[1:22:56] anyone, but I'm just trying to educate myself. I mean, like no one saw this

[1:23:01] like is this normal?

[1:23:05] I I've been told that it is >> I I can speak to this a tiny bit which

[1:23:10] is that I ran a CDS grant through work uh last year and we had a similar

[1:23:16] experience. The CDS grants are approved by the congressional office and they're

[1:23:22] placed with an agency >> and the agency may or may not have

[1:23:26] experience in approving those specific types of projects. It may not fit the

[1:23:30] usual type of grants that they do. So in our case, we were we got CDS money for a

[1:23:34] specific project and then we had to work with I honestly even forget with it was

[1:23:38] like one of the sub agencies of the National [clears throat] Archives and it

[1:23:41] was so far like outside their normal grant process that it took we were way

[1:23:46] we were way more than 8 weeks in getting them to approve the the work we were

[1:23:50] doing and getting them to give us feedback on the things. Um, that said,

[1:23:54] we were in a far less urgent position than the auditorium, which has

[1:23:58] scheduling concerns and everything like that, but in my experience with another

[1:24:02] piece of the CDS program that that also happened. Have

[1:24:06] » Have you had any contact with Rearch about this in the last 8 weeks?

[1:24:10] » Uh, yeah, we had a meeting this afternoon.

[1:24:13] » I mean, where are they? They they must be a little bit

[1:24:14] » they're they're pissed, so to speak. They're getting my language,

[1:24:17] [clears throat] >> you know, they're got the same feeling

[1:24:20] we all do. Let's just get this going so we can get this job started and

[1:24:24] completed. >> I think a call needs to be made to them.

[1:24:27] » What do you think, Mayor? >> Um, well, I mean, I'm thinking of a lot

[1:24:31] of things. I mean, one of the No, and not, you know, just trying to process

[1:24:36] all of this. I mean, we're talking about the heating system. Okay. So, we've

[1:24:42] disabled the heating system. >> No, we haven't.

[1:24:44] » We have not. >> We have not. We're we we're

[1:24:48] » we tearing that apart. the heating system in October.

[1:24:53] Uh really can't do it much past October 1st,

[1:24:57] » right? Not >> uh even with that 8 8 week lead time

[1:25:02] that you know you're pushing it. >> We're we're dangerously close to having

[1:25:06] to push >> right

[1:25:08] that's a sprinklered building and it's a wet system. Correct.

[1:25:11] » Yes, I believe so. >> Yeah. So yeah. So you have to

[1:25:16] » No, I mean honestly what I'm thinking is if um approval is eminent. In other

[1:25:22] words, there's no there's no issue with them saying no, right?

[1:25:25] » Not that I'm aware. We [laughter] >> not that I'm aware of.

[1:25:29] » Okay. So >> like I said, we we've got the first

[1:25:32] round of feedback. We sent those corrections to them. Now

[1:25:37] we're just waiting on them to come back to us

[1:25:40] » and say you're >> this is okay or Whoops. You didn't quite

[1:25:45] make this this one.

[1:25:47] » Okay. >> So, we're just waiting on

[1:25:50] » Do you have any liaison point person you can talk to?

[1:25:55] » I can call the uh our case manager, I guess. Okay.

[1:26:00] » Talk to her. But she's the one I've been emailing and she's the one that's saying

[1:26:05] we uh we're going to just have to wait.

[1:26:09] » Okay. >> The bottom of her emails has a line says

[1:26:12] due to basically short staffing process may

[1:26:18] take longer than than normal. >> Okay. But we live in Vermont.

[1:26:22] [clears throat] So if we can't get approval for these boilers in 30 days,

[1:26:30] then we're not doing the project this year. Correct.

[1:26:33] » That portion of the project. that portion of the project.

[1:26:36] » We may we can probably get the lights done, the kitchen remodel done. Uh we

[1:26:43] probably won't get to the bathrooms this year if we can't get started,

[1:26:47] » right? because of >> So I guess so I guess my qu when you

[1:26:51] think about the planning that went into this um the tournaments that we have in

[1:26:56] the spring the commitments that we have over the winter when you when you think

[1:27:01] of all those things what I'm wondering is um

[1:27:08] Carol is it possible for the city we have bonding capacity is it possible for

[1:27:14] the city is it permissible under a CDS and I don't know the answer to this for

[1:27:19] the city because they're not gonna Oh, but they have to approve the work.

[1:27:23] » They I've already >> they don't approve the work. So, okay. I

[1:27:26] just I just answered my own question. If you go ahead and do the work and then

[1:27:30] they say we don't like that work, then you run the risk of them saying, "Okay,

[1:27:35] we're not paying for that work. We don't like it."

[1:27:37] » So, unfortunately, we just >> have to we got that answer.

[1:27:42] » So, we approved a clerk of the works a while back. Is he working?

[1:27:48] » He's on trying to push this thing through or

[1:27:50] » on uh he reviews the documents and he'll review the bids that come in and then he

[1:27:57] over he takes note basically notes of how many people are there for which

[1:28:02] contractor and the weather and what work got done this day and

[1:28:10] » Captain Ruth here. Steve, without putting you on the spot, have you dealt

[1:28:14] with them before with this USDA and and >> No, let's go with the CDS grant. But I

[1:28:20] mean, the review process is always time consuming.

[1:28:26] I think if you if you have issues, I'd call the state director of USDA.

[1:28:32] This >> squeaky wheel gets

[1:28:36] » it's a presidential appointee. >> You said back in the second

[1:28:42] responses >> uh last week when I got back from

[1:28:45] vacation.

[1:28:49] » Yeah, the review process these even normally can take

[1:28:53] » eight weeks long time. So, council

[1:28:59] » can it's congressional >> I'll get you in a moment Amy.

[1:29:02] » It's congressionally directed spending. Yes. Can our congressional delegation

[1:29:07] advocate on our behalf and point out that this is Vermont and the heating

[1:29:11] season is coming? >> Might not hurt. Might not hurt.

[1:29:14] » Which office is this one? >> I believe it came from Sanders.

[1:29:18] » Sanders. >> Yeah, it was Senator Sanders. Amy.

[1:29:22] » Yeah, just this might be some relevant perspective. Um I work with USDA rural

[1:29:27] development sometimes on water or wastewater projects. Um which I think is

[1:29:31] also under the community program staff. Um several years ago they had eight or

[1:29:36] 10 staff people and the New Hampshire and Vermont um offices are are joint. So

[1:29:40] they had about eight or 10 people. They now have two um because there were

[1:29:44] enough people who took early retirement buyouts. Um some people who were recent

[1:29:49] enough pro employees that they were probationary and so they were laid off.

[1:29:53] So um they have very few staff for the existing

[1:29:58] program. So, not an excuse, but just some perspective for what happened to

[1:30:03] our staffing over the last couple years. >> Thank you.

[1:30:07] » Yeah. So, yes. Sorry. I'm just really confused and concerned with the

[1:30:12] timeline. Um, we got the spending, we got the award in 22 and we're in 26,

[1:30:20] four years later and we're still waiting for drawings to be approved.

[1:30:25] and we're potentially looking at not having the building for use. So, I'm

[1:30:30] just trying to understand and figure out where in the last four years we've kind

[1:30:34] of messed up the not submitting or where the hiccup has been in those last

[1:30:42] four years of us getting the the spending like getting that award with

[1:30:47] BADC and here we are September 1st and we're

[1:30:52] not even got any work started. Um, I don't know about the first two.

[1:31:00] I've only been here for just about two years.

[1:31:02] » Sure. Two years. >> And we started working on this project,

[1:31:06] I believe, about a year ago that we've been starting we started the

[1:31:11] RFP process in the [clears throat] >> Sorry,

[1:31:16] » I'm sorry. Tell me. >> Yeah,

[1:31:17] » I can speak to that a little bit, which is that the first two and a half, three

[1:31:20] years of this grant, my understanding is the city did not know it had a match

[1:31:24] component. So we couldn't actually do anything with it. It was later

[1:31:27] negotiated that we could spend the money and that's when the work began in

[1:31:31] earnest. >> So

[1:31:32] » I do remember the match conversation and now we're able to use some other funds

[1:31:36] in order to figure out the match. >> And so that was figuring that out was

[1:31:40] the first couple of years of the grant when we started in earnest. We had all

[1:31:43] those presentations about how the work would be modified and tweaked and

[1:31:46] changed to fit the new budget and that's when it started in earnest.

[1:31:50] Um, so that's that's a good chunk of it was just the confusion about the early

[1:31:56] part of the grant.

[1:32:00] » Not great news. Um, you know, the biggest concern is um, yes, there is

[1:32:07] the, you know, we could certainly um, do the lighting upgrade if they would

[1:32:12] approve that. So looking, you know, the kitchen, um, building ventilation, you

[1:32:18] really can't do that until you do the furnace, till you do the entire HVAC

[1:32:24] contract. >> Well, they're Yeah, they're they're two

[1:32:27] two separate pieces. >> Gotcha.

[1:32:28] » Cuz the the uh heat pumps are going to be a separate

[1:32:32] system. >> Yeah.

[1:32:34] » That heating and cooling. >> If we got those installed before

[1:32:38] October, that might carry the building. >> Yeah. while we're doing the other one.

[1:32:43] » Yeah. >> If it's if it's a night if it's a decent

[1:32:46] October. >> Uh but again, that's that's all

[1:32:52] contingent on [clears throat] approval, >> right? So, at what point I'll get to you

[1:32:59] in just a second, council. I mean, at what point do we

[1:33:04] put things away? >> Kick kick it till next year.

[1:33:07] » Do we do we postpone the project? you know, have are we thinking about that

[1:33:12] because I think we need >> Yeah, we've been thinking about it

[1:33:15] pretty hard and heavy. I'm thinking >> and then does the pricing change?

[1:33:20] » Yeah, of course. >> And now are we adjusting the project?

[1:33:23] You know, you put anything off a year in this construction environment and you

[1:33:28] know, you're you're guaranteed a price increase. The

[1:33:32] the good news, if you can call it good news, is

[1:33:37] if we do get approval, well, we get to the point where we have to put off to

[1:33:42] next year and then we get approval, we can order the materials

[1:33:48] and I've already talked with Brian, we can store them up on Morrison Road.

[1:33:53] » Mhm. [clears throat] So we can order the materials, get the

[1:33:56] materials on in our hands at this year's prices instead of waiting and buying of

[1:34:03] them next year. >> Mhm.

[1:34:05] » And then when we get ready to get going in the spring, everything's here. We

[1:34:11] don't have to wait on a delivery or, you know, the delivery that says

[1:34:16] it's coming in four weeks is actually 6 weeks,

[1:34:19] » right? >> All that stuff is out of the way and we

[1:34:21] can get going. >> No. And I get that. But as someone who

[1:34:26] builds things regularly, we hate having materials sitting around for 6 months.

[1:34:34] There's all kinds of risk that comes with that.

[1:34:37] » Y >> um can get damaged. Uh can just not be

[1:34:40] there when you go to find it. Um >> it's funny how they grow legs like that.

[1:34:45] » Well, you know, I mean it it's happened on different projects. So, yeah. So,

[1:34:50] this was not um I'm sorry. Go ahead, Council Spy.

[1:34:54] » What's the absolute drop dead date that we have to have them approved so we can

[1:34:59] move forward?

[1:35:03] » I want to say the next like two weeks. >> Yeah, two weeks.

[1:35:08] » 8 week lead time on furnace. So if you just think about

[1:35:13] » if we get it in if we get approval and we can get get the contracts in

[1:35:19] place be here for the next meeting on the 22nd

[1:35:22] » right >> then it's

[1:35:24] 6 weeks after that before the boilers would even show up.

[1:35:29] » Is there anybody administration we can call to help?

[1:35:33] » I'll I mean this is a pretty good

[1:35:36] » I I'll ask that question. I I'll reach out to a few people and ask that

[1:35:40] question uh tomorrow. May start with [clears throat] Senator Sanders. I mean,

[1:35:46] first of all, I don't want to look look a congressional gift horse in

[1:35:51] the mouth. We we still appreciate this project, but

[1:35:55] » um you know, some certainty would [clears throat] really be

[1:35:58] appreciated. And if they could if they simply said,

[1:36:02] » "You're not going to get your approval for 8 weeks." All right, we know what to

[1:36:06] do. >> Yeah. and and we know how to proceed.

[1:36:09] The problem is when you're waiting and thinking, am I going to get it? Am I

[1:36:12] going to get it? If we don't get it by September 15th, that's

[1:36:17] » it based on the schedule you told me that it won't work

[1:36:20] » past that date. >> So, I mean, we're going to know soon

[1:36:23] enough, but it would be a lot more helpful

[1:36:26] » to know much sooner. >> Yes. Then we can

[1:36:29] » rather than later. And would you consider doing some of the other

[1:36:33] projects uh or you know would it make sense for example like the kitchen and

[1:36:40] lighting? >> We we could do that like the changing

[1:36:44] out the lighting we can do that while the building's operational that's done

[1:36:48] during the day. >> Is there anything that has been approved

[1:36:51] any component? >> The we have approval for the MERP

[1:36:54] grants. >> No I mean when when you look at the

[1:36:58] overall component >> as far as that

[1:37:00] » Yeah. like lighting, you know, the entire So, you have to go with So,

[1:37:04] basically, >> the CDS grant is not Nothing is

[1:37:08] approved. >> Nothing is approved yet. No.

[1:37:11] » Okay. So, it's a it's kind of an all or nothing thing where you send it in and

[1:37:15] they have to approve everything in for in order for you to get anything.

[1:37:18] » Yes. >> Okay. So yeah, the only thing the only

[1:37:22] thing we could do under the MERP grant is there's, [clears throat] you know, a

[1:37:28] little bit of lighting there, but not much. The lion share of it is in the

[1:37:32] CDS. Uh exterior window replacement and door weather stripping. That's that's

[1:37:37] basically it in the and roof insulation. That's it in the MUR grant.

[1:37:44] » And I believe the >> Yeah.

[1:37:45] » And everything else. Yeah. Well, Yes, just one last question. Um, so my

[1:37:53] understanding is that we're not currently renting any space in the

[1:37:56] auditorium because of this project. Correct.

[1:37:59] » Correct. >> So, is it feasible to say that we could

[1:38:04] potentially reopen the auditorium for some revenue?

[1:38:08] » Absolutely. >> So, that way while this project is in

[1:38:11] limbo, we could at least be making some money.

[1:38:16] » Absolutely. potentially offering that to the community.

[1:38:18] » Y >> cuz I know that's been something that's

[1:38:20] been asked a couple of times over the last few months. Not like a huge need or

[1:38:25] desire, but definitely been asked, hey, how come we are not using the

[1:38:29] auditorium? Uh, one actually was asked about the election um that we had uh at

[1:38:34] Alumni Hall and why we weren't able to use the odd instead of um and that was

[1:38:40] actually what brought me to thinking about where we were at with this

[1:38:43] project. Um, >> so

[1:38:46] Is it possible that we use the auditorium for the election still?

[1:38:52] » I mean that actually >> I'm just asking general questions

[1:38:55] because I was under the assumption that we when we closed the auditorium that it

[1:39:01] was done we were until the project was wrapped up and that we weren't able to

[1:39:06] use it whatsoever. And now I'm under the impression that we probably could have

[1:39:10] had it open for the am the time that we've had it closed because we haven't

[1:39:15] had the project started yet. >> Yeah. I I closed it in anticipation

[1:39:21] of being able to do this project >> and I would rather have it empty for in

[1:39:26] this one or two, you know, 2hour rentals than have to tell somebody, oh, your

[1:39:32] birthday party that you planned for the last two months is now canceled because

[1:39:36] we're starting work next week. >> I think we need an answer from them if

[1:39:40] they can give us a timeline. Like you said, mayor, they got to give us

[1:39:44] something here. It's about 8 weeks we've been banking on this project. It's part

[1:39:48] of our largest financial contributor to our city basically in

[1:39:53] that and the b correct? Yep. Um let me see what I can do

[1:39:59] tomorrow. Like I said wasn't uh wasn't aware. Uh so let me see what I can do

[1:40:05] because I'm just quite like I said this was not necessarily the update I was

[1:40:11] anticipating this evening. So, um, yes, Miss Higgby, did you have a question?

[1:40:17] » No, I just >> could you come up to the table, please,

[1:40:22] so that the folks on Zoom can't hear you.

[1:40:25] » Absolutely. So, I've served on the civic center committee for about 10 years and

[1:40:32] I've been the minute taker for the last probably four years. And I would just

[1:40:36] invite everyone to take a few minutes and actually read through the minutes

[1:40:40] and follow what has been transpiring and the discussions. But my purpose in

[1:40:45] coming to the table right now is to remind everyone that we think about the

[1:40:49] space as a place for sports activities, a place to vote, a place to have

[1:40:54] birthday parties. But possibly the most important thing that the space is used

[1:40:59] for would be health emergencies. We're the overflow to the Central Vermont

[1:41:04] Medical Center. Also, we're the flood emergency center. So, we can't schedule

[1:41:09] that. We can rearrange the basketball schedule. We can rearrange birthday

[1:41:14] parties, but we've been very lucky this year. We don't have to use the space for

[1:41:20] overnight stays for flood victims. And that's really one of the reasons that

[1:41:24] the cafeteria is being remodeled. It's not just because people want to buy hot

[1:41:28] dogs, right? It's because we have to feed families. And so I I just want to

[1:41:33] remind people that this is this is more than just a facility where people go and

[1:41:38] play games. It's actually one of the most important aspects of this community

[1:41:43] resource is that we save families. And so [clears throat] let's let's not lose

[1:41:48] track of that. And that's what's really important. That's really what attracted

[1:41:51] Senator Sanders and his staff to support this project in the first place. So, um,

[1:41:58] as soon as we can get this thing going, I would I would urge us to to move

[1:42:02] forward and also I encourage you to read the minutes of the meetings so that you

[1:42:07] understand what has happened over the last four years.

[1:42:11] » Well, we it'd be advantageous for us to put that when we talk to them again.

[1:42:16] We should bring that up to them. Why whatever the the people who are holding

[1:42:22] us up USDA >> say that to them you know that that's

[1:42:25] just one more positive thing that we could utilize. Well, of course,

[1:42:28] absolutely. But it sounds like based on the conversation that happened a few

[1:42:32] minutes ago, sounds like they have a staffing deficit and and you know, you

[1:42:37] can't >> people still need to do work that

[1:42:40] they're unable to complete, but yes, it's a very good.

[1:42:45] Thank you. >> Thank you,

[1:42:46] » Mayor. We do have Amy Gford again. >> Uh Amy, I'm sorry.

[1:42:50] » That's okay. Um I forgot to mention um the remaining staff are not professional

[1:42:55] engineers. So, if you're waiting on a professional engineering approval, um

[1:42:58] that may be someone from New York State or another state. Um so, I would maybe

[1:43:03] in pursuing follow-up questions just be really clear like who are you waiting

[1:43:07] on? Is it that they are waiting on it? If it has to be signed off by a

[1:43:12] professional engineer, that might be someone in another state.

[1:43:15] » Great suggestion. Thank you. >> Good.

[1:43:18] » Yeah. So, maybe we could find that out. I mean, realistically, so um

[1:43:26] getting through the surprise and disappointment,

[1:43:30] um you know, we're going to have some decisions to make.

[1:43:34] » Um if the I mean certainly with the Boiler Project, um so currently we have

[1:43:40] no events scheduled >> until the Mberry Berry Festival,

[1:43:45] » the craft fair. >> Until the craft fair. So really the you

[1:43:49] know there there's even with the lighting yes the you know lighting can

[1:43:53] be done yes the kitchen renovation can be done but we what we have to think

[1:43:57] about is as um councelor Dearing was suggesting at what point do we just

[1:44:03] postpone the entire project until our slowest time which is summer of 27

[1:44:13] when we really don't have a lot of events going on up there at you know, if

[1:44:18] we hit it hard after the high school basketball tournament.

[1:44:23] » Yeah. >> And hit it hard that summer

[1:44:25] » April next next year. >> Let's be a little, you know, little

[1:44:28] practical about I mean, realistically, we we could do the kitchen over the

[1:44:31] winter. We don't have a lot of events where unless there happens to be

[1:44:36] [clears throat] some sort of um >> they can't use it to cook now anyways,

[1:44:40] » right? >> So, they're you know, we just need to be

[1:44:44] thinking that way. We need to be a little little nimble and think about

[1:44:48] well okay if we get it by this date what can we do if it doesn't happen till this

[1:44:52] date what can we do and obviously there's going to be a certain point if

[1:44:56] you don't get it until February >> well not going to be anything you can do

[1:45:03] » okay >> we're we're getting

[1:45:05] really close to that that >> we get uh tell you what I'd love to have

[1:45:10] you come back in at the next council meeting um I'll compare notes with you

[1:45:14] in the meanwhile I I'll >> just look around a little bit, see if

[1:45:17] there's someone that I can speak to and maybe you and I can get together. If

[1:45:21] that's all right with you, I'll get together with Tom tomorrow and just

[1:45:25] figure out who can we call following up using Amy's suggestion and try to figure

[1:45:30] out how we move this forward. >> All right.

[1:45:33] » You need a answer on the MER thing too though, right? To extend that. Is that

[1:45:38] » uh actually >> or did was that a plan that you were

[1:45:42] saying plan B >> just before it came we just have to have

[1:45:45] the >> uh contract in place with rearch for the

[1:45:50] merc money by the end of the month. >> Oh, so they'll let us

[1:45:54] » then we can we have till 29 to do that one as long as we complete the city hall

[1:46:00] work before the end of December. >> Got you.

[1:46:06] Super. Tom, thank you. >> Thank you, Tom.

[1:46:09] » Council, we will move on to I'm sorry. >> Sorry, this isn't a question for you. A

[1:46:14] question for the city clerk about the general election.

[1:46:19] » Are we doing that in Alam Hall? >> Because I have concerns about a line up

[1:46:25] the stairs. I'm sure you do, too. >> I do too. Yes. Yes. Um Bob and I will

[1:46:30] talk tomorrow >> or Michelle about the the general

[1:46:34] election. That's November. It's >> the third

[1:46:40] » gymnasium. [laughter]

[1:46:42] » One way or another. >> Yeah,

[1:46:46] » that >> it's a little up in the air, but it's

[1:46:49] actually I think it's easier even to pivot the election at sort of the last

[1:46:55] minute because you're in the same general vicinity.

[1:46:58] » Yeah. No, but I just think switching alumni hall has been fine, I think, for

[1:47:01] the smaller elections. I'm just worried about in general. I understand

[1:47:06] » people lining up on those stairs. >> Exactly.

[1:47:09] » That seems like a bad idea. >> Stay tuned. [laughter]

[1:47:15] » Okay, councilors, we'll move on to item 9D on the agenda. This is the manager

[1:47:20] search committee update. Councelor Gustin,

[1:47:22] » great. As folks no doubt saw warranted, we started this meeting this evening

[1:47:26] with an executive session with the city manager search committee um and had a

[1:47:31] good robust discussion on the interviews that um the committee has been

[1:47:37] conducting. So, just to recap for members of the public, um we reviewed

[1:47:42] applications that came in. We selected um a number of folks to interview. Uh

[1:47:48] and we have recommended finalists to city council and we will now be

[1:47:51] scheduling next steps with those finalists. Uh we are committed, my

[1:47:57] understanding of our conversations of councils, we are committed to moving

[1:47:59] quickly and efficiently. Uh in the coming weeks and still on track for what

[1:48:04] we've been saying all along, which is a mid to third week of September, we

[1:48:08] should be in a place to extend an offer to someone. uh if all continues to go on

[1:48:12] track. I didn't I don't know if anyone else wants to weigh in

[1:48:16] on the conversation we had, but um uh it was a really nice overview in the Times

[1:48:22] Argus a couple of weeks ago and we I think we are very much still uh on track

[1:48:26] with everything that was reported there. It's going really well. I'm I'm excited.

[1:48:31] » No, I mean I think we we have a good process. I think we all have an

[1:48:35] understanding how the process is going to go. We know that we we want to move

[1:48:40] quickly. I mean, we we want to be naming the next city manager. And I think I I

[1:48:46] think we've balanced uh our anxiety to name a new city manager

[1:48:53] with the appropriate due diligence that we all that we have to do in order to

[1:48:57] feel good about naming a new city manager. So, uh as far as the resumes

[1:49:02] that the committee forwarded, those uh the three um congratulations. They are

[1:49:07] three very very strong candidates and I'm excited I'm excited to meet all

[1:49:12] three of them and all three would certainly uh do a great job in Barry. So

[1:49:17] once again to the members of the committee folks who are teeing this up

[1:49:20] for the city council council council Ruth here thank you uh for your good

[1:49:25] work. Any questions folks? Okay then we'll move along to upcoming business.

[1:49:30] We're going to name a city manager. That's about it for right now.

[1:49:34] That's where we're focused uh like a laser getting through the um getting

[1:49:41] through the paving projects. Uh finishing those up uh towards the end of

[1:49:45] the year. Finally getting uh you know uh Route 14, South Main Street and

[1:49:51] Washington Street. Finally getting the uh Milanfield on those projects. I think

[1:49:56] people will notice a big difference. Um, you know, we'll keep increasing the

[1:50:00] paving budget and we'll get back to where we should have been years ago, but

[1:50:05] weren't. So, we're making progress. Yes. >> Question. When do we find out about the

[1:50:09] results from the grant applications? >> Not until October.

[1:50:14] » Okay. >> Not until October. I believe

[1:50:17] Oh, I believe that committee meets I want to say I want to say October 5th.

[1:50:23] it that may not be the correct date, but I could I could check and see when they

[1:50:27] will uh when they will vote on that. Uh and speaking of which, again, thank you.

[1:50:32] As the chief mentioned, those applications went in today. It was just,

[1:50:37] you know, an all hands on deck weekend. I mean, we have been, you know, from the

[1:50:42] mayor on down, we have all just been working together for the past four weeks

[1:50:46] to pull those applications together. And I'm excited about both of them. I mean,

[1:50:52] I think either of them could be a home run for the city. And what I'll be

[1:50:56] talking to the treasurer about is uh if one is awarded the full amount, how do

[1:51:01] we somehow fund them both? >> How do how do how do we get them both?

[1:51:05] No, you know, I think about that. So, I don't take 20-year mortgages anymore.

[1:51:11] Okay? Because statistically speaking, I may or may not be around to pay it off.

[1:51:18] Okay? Municipalities are different. You know, municipalities go on for hundreds

[1:51:24] of years. You know, I'm I despite our issues, America will go on for hundreds

[1:51:29] of years. So, it used to be years ago, municipalities, you know, everybody's

[1:51:34] looking at Prospect Heights. Well, that's what municipalities did. They

[1:51:39] built the roads. They did all of the infrastructure. They sold the lots

[1:51:43] because it made the most sense and everyone had an ownership interest. And

[1:51:47] the more I think about, you know, as a private citizen, I've done it with

[1:51:52] People's Health and Wellness Clinic and we've done it with the Meals on Wheels

[1:51:56] program and figured out how to help them own their own building because again,

[1:52:00] they're an organization that's going to go on a very long time. And sometimes I

[1:52:04] look at these projects, I look at something like 143 and say, "Well, if a

[1:52:08] private citizen can develop a building, then why can't everyone? And why

[1:52:12] couldn't 10,000 people own a piece of that building?"

[1:52:17] just so yeah, it's gotten me all juiced up there, Carol.

[1:52:22] I'm all fired up to try to figure out a way that we can, you know, I I I think

[1:52:27] the committee and and I think the staff and committee are going to and board are

[1:52:32] going to look positively at our applications, but like I said, you know,

[1:52:36] it would be like picking your favorite. I couldn't pick one right now. I like

[1:52:39] them both. So, we'll see. Round table. Council Dearing who started Oh, I'm

[1:52:46] sorry. Yes. >> Did I miss it or did you skip the flood

[1:52:49] resiliency update? >> The auditorium.

[1:52:51] » The auditorium was the we we flipped gears and we had the auditorium project

[1:52:57] be the flood resiliency update. Did you have anything? Oh, okay.

[1:53:01] » So, yeah. So, you did miss it at the very beginning of the meeting. I asked

[1:53:04] for an agenda adjustment. Um because the auditorium is one of the listed goals

[1:53:09] » and I've been very busy with the city manager.

[1:53:11] » Councilor Dearing started school roundt. >> Started school baby. [laughter]

[1:53:15] Lots of lots of great stuff. Um lots of good positive attitude and behaviors. Um

[1:53:21] really great to see a lot of the enthusiasm, a lot of the people. Um just

[1:53:26] a lot of the things that we embrace here in Barry. Um we're really just trying to

[1:53:31] just show a new story. Um >> thanks.

[1:53:35] » So really that's that's the key is just, you know, people always have a story,

[1:53:40] but you can always have a new story to tell uh with the things that are going

[1:53:44] on. And that's really what we're trying to do within the school. So, lots of

[1:53:47] great stuff going on at Barry City School.

[1:53:49] » Fantastic. Counselor, >> I just want to extend a thank you to the

[1:53:53] DPW for all the work that they're doing on Camp Street and a plea for please

[1:53:58] restore the stop sign that is on camp. I mean, because I've seen so many close

[1:54:07] calls. >> Is there a temporary one up there?

[1:54:09] » There isn't one. >> Okay. Brian Brian said he he was getting

[1:54:12] a temporary >> I haven't seen it. Maybe you could nudge

[1:54:15] him again. >> I will nudge him again because he told

[1:54:17] me they were bringing they were bringing up

[1:54:19] » Yeah, there was another real close call this afternoon. People just, you know,

[1:54:22] people who aren't from Barry don't know that they have to stop there and so they

[1:54:26] don't and somebody's coming downhill and I just don't want anyone to get killed.

[1:54:33] » Captain Gustin, >> uh I have two updates from the Aldrich

[1:54:36] Library. Uh the first is that the Alders library is now fine free which means uh

[1:54:42] which is a really phenomenal development. Um there's actually been a

[1:54:46] ton of really good study and research on this over the years and um people don't

[1:54:51] feel ashamed to bring books back. Books get back just as just as well as if

[1:54:55] there were fines. Um and people are able to participate more fully in the

[1:55:00] library. It's not actually a revenue generator for folks. And actually

[1:55:03] sometimes libraries do better because what their assign is what their assign

[1:55:06] is instead is you return this book late. Would you like to donate? And then

[1:55:09] people like give more money than they would actually be paying in 25 cents and

[1:55:12] fines. Um and overall it's a really really nice step forward to making the

[1:55:16] Aldrich even more accessible uh for the community. And also September is

[1:55:21] National Library Card Signup Month. So I put a challenge to members of council.

[1:55:26] If you do not yet have an a library card with the Aldrich, please walk yourselves

[1:55:29] over and uh and make sure you participate in National Library Card

[1:55:33] Signup Month. I'm going tomorrow to pick up my books for reading by the pool and

[1:55:37] Labor Day weekend. >> So, I already have a card. [snorts]

[1:55:41] » Um I have two things. One is um front porch forum was ablaze about the um

[1:55:48] drain adopt a drain program and uh thank you councelor Hillgard for the right

[1:55:53] word for drain just [laughter] they were swamped flooded much better

[1:55:59] with um with but I thought it was great that there was like there were

[1:56:03] conversations so I think that was fantastic but maybe we should also after

[1:56:07] the city manager search maybe do another little push about that um and the second

[1:56:11] thing is On behalf of my husband, I want to thank the kind people who picked up

[1:56:15] his poor chainsaw that fell out of the back of his truck and all of the

[1:56:19] community members who saw his his plea on front porch forum and had seen the

[1:56:24] person who posted on Facebook and reunited him with his 26-year-old

[1:56:28] chainsaw. >> Thank you. Bounced out of the truck.

[1:56:31] » Well, his tailgate fell open and it bounced out [clears throat] and he has

[1:56:35] apparently sentimental value for this chainsaw.

[1:56:38] » Is that okay? I don't I guess it's fine. and he went down and helped a friend and

[1:56:42] private limb that have fallen down. >> So, yeah, it's [clears throat] good. But

[1:56:46] thank you. Thank you. Good the good work of Facebook and Front Porch Forum. We

[1:56:49] reconnected them. >> Where did you run?

[1:56:52] » Um I attended a uh overdose awareness remembrance candle light vigil last

[1:56:58] night over at Courier Park. Chief Vale spoke. Um next year when it comes

[1:57:03] around, you should go. um you'd be it would just open your eyes out to how bad

[1:57:10] this overdose business is. And good job last night, Brad.

[1:57:16] » Thank you, Councelor Worth here. >> Um

[1:57:19] with all the construction and everything in Barry, it I'm getting more positive

[1:57:24] about what it's going to be like in 3 to 5 years. And I just can't help but I

[1:57:30] love when I see a officer or a bee on a bicycle which I've seen and I just love

[1:57:36] that. That's excellent. >> Thank you. So

[1:57:41] being positive, not having a an official city manager certainly

[1:57:48] makes the council meeting shorter. However, [laughter] I have spent more

[1:57:54] and and I'm grateful, but I have spent more time in city hall and with

[1:57:59] department heads and lobbying and doing stuff that a manager is really supposed

[1:58:03] to be doing uh in the past month than than I have probably in the past uh

[1:58:09] year. Uh so, can't wait to name a new [laughter] city manager so I can get

[1:58:14] back to my cushy schedule. Speaking of Cushy schedule, I will be traveling on

[1:58:19] the 22nd councelor, so I will likely not be at that council meeting. Don't know.

[1:58:24] So, I just wanted to tee it up for you because you would be the Oh my god, we'd

[1:58:28] go from acting city man now acting mayor. Everybody's just acting and not

[1:58:32] serious about it. [laughter] >> It's like Broadway around here.

[1:58:37] » And with that council, uh so I don't think we need an executive session. A

[1:58:41] motion to adjourn would be in order. >> So move.

[1:58:43] » Thank you. Uh any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor of the motion

[1:58:47] is presented, please signify by saying I. I. And those opposed, we are

[1:58:52] ajourned. Thank you. >> Madam chair, you're to us

[1:58:57] and I didn't realize it was >> in a good place. It's a number.

[1:59:04] Yeah.

Barre City Council Meeting - 09/01/2026

Transcript