Heather M Graves

The meeting included a review of financial reports and the public housing operating subsidy, a report on board vacancies and upcoming staff retirement, the presentation of the 2025 Audit, and a discussion regarding the scheduling of the next meeting.

The meeting included citizen input on Article 12 of the Montpelier agenda and discussions regarding the city's procurement policy and open meeting laws, as well as updates from the new Farmer's Market manager and a homelessness committee structural crisis. The council unanimously approved the consent agenda covering minutes, payroll, and MAOs. A public hearing was held and subsequently approved for the Community Development Block Grant --- Disaster Recovery application. Informational hearings were held regarding a bond appearing on the Annual City Meeting ballot and the Town Meeting Day warning/ballot. An update was provided on the 5 Home Farm Way. A public hearing was opened and closed regarding a tax stabilization proposal, resulting in setting a second public hearing for March 25th. The council reappointed Dan Groberg to the Montpelier Community Fund Board. The Country Club Road Subcommittee provided an update. The Mayor reported on ongoing lawsuits and complaints related to Stephen Whitaker and reflected on his tenure. The City Manager provided extensive updates covering department meetings, listening sessions, grant applications, water shutoffs, communication systems improvements, shelter and facility updates, the Finance Director hiring process, and upcoming tours.

This document is a proposal by Execusuite LLC to develop the Country Club Road property in Montpelier, Vermont, envisioning a new community of 340 workforce-affordable homes. The plan prioritizes health and recreation, strong community culture, and environmental stewardship, integrating multi-modal transit, district geothermal energy, solar generation, ecological construction, and wetlands conservation. It aims to create an expansive urban park, a pedestrian village with community amenities, and a community farm, fostering an inclusive neighborhood that enhances Montpelier's economic security and tax base through high energy efficiency, net-zero standards, and transparent public partnership.

The meeting included general business items such as a discussion on whether city public planning bodies are being adequately consulted on projects. There were questions raised regarding the hiring of a new City Manager and their expected performance criteria. The consent agenda included approval for meeting minutes, authorization for the East State Street Survey, and hiring decisions for the MPD Dispatch. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an update and discussion regarding the East State Street Construction. A directive was issued to the Department of Public Works (DPW) to create a design that relocates the sidewalk contemplation area on the north side and includes a retaining wall, while also enhancing pedestrian protections at the crosswalk.

The meeting agenda was approved with an addition for a discussion with the police chief. General Business included public comments regarding the homeless population and cold weather, objections to an Israel/Palestinian ballot measure, and concerns about the East State Street project, a potential charter change, and the contract process related to the Capitol Fire/Country Club Road development. The council received and unanimously accepted an audit presentation. Two public hearings were conducted: one for the second FY27 budget, which involved an adjustment to the Community Fund allocation and a vote on the clerk's budget, and another for the bond request, which included a failed motion to add funding for infrastructure at Sabin's Pasture. The city warning was approved as amended. The council also passed the appeal fee schedule adjustment and unanimously reappointed two members to the Complete Streets Committee. Discussions were held regarding the East State Street project and project prioritization, although no action was taken on those specific items. The proposed charter change discussion was ultimately removed. Other business included a Police Chief presentation on the Northfield police arrangement and reports on Winterfest and Fire Department cold water rescue operations.