2026-08-12 - City Council
Summary
Built from the official minutes (items 2026-308 to 2026-327). No video or transcript is on file.
- Called to order 6:30 PM, adjourned 10:51 PM. Mayor Marc Gwinn and Councilors Cary Brown, Sal Alfano, Jim Sheridan, Pelin Kohn and Ben Doyle present; Paul Costello joined after the recess (8:19 to 8:31 PM) and was sworn in. City Clerk John Odum was secretary.
- Council rules of procedure accepted 5-0.
- Responsible Employer Ordinance repeal advanced to a second hearing 4-1 (Brown nay); second reading set for August 26.
- Costello seated for District 1 after an executive session, unanimously.
- District Heat rates approved 5-0-1 (Costello abstaining).
- Charlie O's noise variance granted unanimously.
- Jenni Belotserkovsky appointed to the Public Arts Committee, 5-0-1 (Costello abstaining).
- Country Club Road planning path and MSAC parking discussed; homelessness update; no action on any of these.
- Consent agenda approved 5-0-1 (Costello abstaining).
- Executive session at 9:54 PM under 1 VSA 313(a)(3), with the City Manager included on Alfano's amendment; out of session at 10:37 PM, 5-0 (Doyle not present for the vote). The minutes do not state the subject.
Council Rules of Procedure
- Stephen Whitaker and Conor Casey commented. Doyle moved, Alfano seconded, 5-0.
Responsible Employer Ordinance Repeal
- Kurt Motyka took part. First-reading hearing 6:49 to 7:07 PM; speakers Casey, Dave Bellini, Whitaker, Larry Moquin, Peter Kelman and J.P. Isabelle.
- Sheridan moved to advance the repeal to a second hearing; Kohn seconded; 4-1, Brown nay. Alfano moved the second reading for August 26; Sheridan seconded; unanimous.
District 1 Council Vacancy
- Candidates Keith Schumacher, Megan Smith, Sean Linehan and Costello addressed the Council. Kohn moved executive session; after it Sheridan moved to return to open session (Alfano seconded). Doyle moved to seat Costello for the rest of Adrienne Gil's term; Sheridan seconded; unanimous.
District Heat Rate Change
- Motyka and Heather Graves presented; Whitaker spoke. Doyle moved, Sheridan seconded, 5-0-1.
Charlie O's Noise Variance
- Abby Jenne joined and Margo Kelly commented. Sheridan moved the variance, Kohn seconded, unanimous.
Country Club Road Project
- Mike Miller discussed the planning path; Whitaker commented; no action.
Advisory Committee Appointments
- Sheridan moved Jenni Belotserkovsky to the Public Arts Committee; Kohn seconded; 5-0-1.
Homelessness Response
- City Manager's update; Whitaker spoke; no action.
Public comment, reports and other business
- Mayor: recognized Seven Days Daisies downtown business awards and two new businesses. Whitaker's general comment covered bike path improvements, the barricaded knoll by the North Branch, sewage and sewer gas concerns, public records, the Country Club Road development, grants, the Homelessness Task Force, tasers and contractor issues.
- Consent items: minutes; payroll and warrants; liquor and tobacco licenses; House of Tang bank stabilization contract; hiring approval for Stitzel, Page & Fletcher; Arsenal Drive public thoroughfare agreement; concrete sidewalk finishing contract. Sheridan moved, Kohn seconded.
- Council reports: Kohn on a water incident on Elm Street, positive feedback on the communications director and downtown wheelchair access; Sheridan on a CVRPC event; Brown on the VLCT Policy Committee; Doyle welcomed Costello and noted the Local Development Corporation's winning bid for the old post office building.
- Clerk thanked election volunteers. City Manager: many projects underway, City Hall rebuild, Police Chief Search recruitment, the Senior Center director's resignation, and a wish for a Council mini-retreat. Mayor: upcoming ribbon cuttings, thanks to Costello and the other candidates, and concern for Dave Bellini after a fall leaving the meeting.