SOUTH HERO PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES August 1, 2018
Members Present: D. Patterson (Chair); S. Gregg (Co-Chair); D. Roy; B. Kerr
Public Present: Tim Maxham; Sarah Kjelleren; Martha Taylor-Varney, ZA
Changes to the Agenda
Doug requested adding discussion about a letter to AoT.
7:03 PM – D. Patterson called the meeting to order.
Public Input
Sarah Kjelleren proposed dressing up the Welcome to South Hero sign. The Commission members were enthusiastic about the idea and discussed if there may be grants available for this. Sarah also asked if there was any community space for photography or art, recording studios, etc. or if the Town may be interested in activating any community space for the arts. D. Roy responded that there will be a community space in the new library that could possibly be used in this way. S. Gregg suggested that Sarah look into joining the committee that will be considering future options for the old Town Hall (Granny’s Attic building) as a possible opportunity for this type of space.
Continue Review of Draft Regulations
The Commission reviewed a draft of regulations regarding home-based businesses that was submitted by B. Kerr. Discussion included clarifying the language on the limit to the percentage of a dwelling or accessory structure that a proposed home occupation can use (no more than 30% of the dwelling, whether located in the dwelling or an accessory structure), and that of a Home Enterprise (50%, same as above).
A final review of Definitions will be included in the August 15 PC meeting. The Final Draft will be reviewed at the September 5, 2018 meeting.
Continue Review of Sign Ordinance
There was discussion on building-mounted signs and if they should be limited to one per business. There was also discussion on temporary construction signs, sandwich boards, internally-lit signs, and the threat of light pollution from signage. The Commission decided to let the Selectboard decide the time limit by which signs must meet the requirements of the Ordinance.
Review of Minutes
- Gregg moved to approve the minutes from the July 18, 2018, with corrections; D. Patterson second. All in favor.
New/Old Business
- Patterson explained that he had discussed with the Fire Department the FD’s trucks having difficulty with cars yielding to them as they attempted to enter US RT 2 at their new location at RT260. Despite having lights and sirens in use, it was observed that a dozen or more cars continued past the entrance without stopping to let emergency vehicles onto RT 2. Doug recommended that the Planning Commission draft a letter to be presented to the Selectboard requesting that VTrans allow the Town to install an emergency access signal that would be activated from within the trucks to stop traffic on RT 2 to allow emergency vehicles out. Doug will write the letter and present it to the Selectboard at their August 13 meeting.
Administrator’s Report
Martha reported that she continues to look for a candidate to fill the seat on the Commission vacated by Regan Henry.
8:57 PM – S. Gregg moved to adjourn; B. Kerr second. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha Taylor-Varney, ZA
Signed: __________________________________________ Date: _________________
For the Planning Commission
These minutes are unofficial until approved at the next regularly-scheduled meeting. All motions were unanimous unless otherwise indicated.