SOUTH HERO PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES August 17, 2022
Members Present: Sandy Gregg (Chair); Michele Gammal (Vice-Chair); Fred Bartle
Members Absent: David Roy; George Harwood
Others Present: Martha Taylor-Varney (ZA), Donny Bedard
6:04PM – Chair S. Gregg called the meeting to order.
Changes to the Agenda
There were none.
Public Comment
There was none.
Continue 2023 Town Plan work
- South Hero Vision Statement
- Reviewed and revised draft statement (see attached)
- We will present a draft statement at the next Community Cheers & Cheese event (August 22) and encourage public input.
2022 VTrans Bicycle and Pedestrian Program
- Gregg reported that we were awarded $40,000 grant for the 2022 VTrans Bicycle & Pedestrian Program. The Selectboard will need to sign the Projects Commitments Form.
- Taylor-Varney relayed that the Selectboard asked if the Planning Commission can include a study for pedestrian cross walks near and around the intersection of Rt. 2 and Featherbed Lane in that grant funding. S. Gregg would like to conference with Greta Brunswick (NRPC) to discuss scope of the grant and report back.
ARPA Committee Update
There was no report at this time.
Wastewater Planning and Assessment Committee Update
There was no report at this time.
Old Business
- VOREC – no report this evening.
- CONSERVATION COMMISSION – Their organizational meeting will be Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at 6:30 at the Town Office and via Zoom. The Conservation Commission has been added to the Town website.
- Village Vision Workshop – September 7, 2022 at Worthen Library
- There is an informal survey going around put together by residents of South Hero (southherovoters.org)
New Business
There was none.
Administrator’s Report
- VLTC Annual Town Fair is October 6-7 in Killington. They do not have the full scheduled published as of yet, but so far nothing relevant to the Planning Commission.
- VT Community Development is hosting a Grants Management Symposium on October 27 in Montpelier at the Capital Plaza.
- VT Dept of Housing and Community Development announced statewide Zoning Bylaw Modernization Grants for New Homes and ‘Great Neighborhoods’. There is $650,000 in available funding to support towns and cities with bylaw updates towards housing and infrastructure.
Meeting Minutes – August 3, 2022
- Gammal moved to accept the minutes from August 3, 2022; S. Gregg second. All in favor.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will be September 7th at 6PM at the Library.
Adjournment
7:24PM – F. Bartle moved to adjourn; M. Gammal second. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Fred Bartle
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.
South Hero Vision Statement
A vision statement presents the town’s ambition for the future. It can be a short phrase or a single paragraph that clearly describes the long-term goals, dreams, and aspirations for the town. The vision statement sets the bar high in terms of how the town wants to be perceived by the world in the future.
A good vision statement is a self-fulfilling prophecy. When everyone shares the vision, they are more likely to adopt the behaviors required to make the vision a reality. A vision statement’s purpose is to inspire and instill passion in town officials, staff and the wider community to achieve the common vision.
From existing 2015 Town Plan:
South Hero is a beautiful, peaceful, thriving rural island town on Lake Champlain. This community prides itself on cooperation, participation, and sharing.
Key elements to consider:
- Lifestyle and quality of life
- Equity and inclusion
- Environmental sustainability
- Health and wellbeing
- Economic prosperity
Town Plan Guiding Themes:
K Housing and Transportation ü Climate Change and Resilience Equity and Inclusion b Recreation and Recreation Economy B Vibrant Villages
Draft Vision Statement:
South Hero, Vermont is a friendly, vibrant and stunningly beautiful small Lake Champlain Island town to live, work, play and visit. There are abundant recreational and cultural amenities that support healthy lifestyles, a sense of community, and a thriving local island economy.