SOUTH HERO PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES August 2, 2023
Members Present: Sandy Gregg (Chair); Michele Gammal (Vice-Chair); David Roy; George Harwood; Don Bedard
Others Present: Tim Maxham; Michael Frett (Islander); Sue Arguin (Town Administrator); Martha Taylor-Varney, ZA.
6:00PM – S. Gregg called the meeting to order.
Changes to the Agenda
Item 4 – ‘Update on S.H.O.R.E. by Donna Boumil’ is removed from the agenda at the request of Ms. Boumil.
Public Comment
- Roy said he wanted to thank Tim Maxham for cleaning up the sidewalks in Town.
Town Plan Election Results
The Town Plan was approved by the voters 338 to 258 (57% to 43%). S. Gregg asked how the Commission wanted to move forward. M. Gammal was concerned about the lack of public input at Planning Commission meetings. How to involve more people? G. Harwood suggested getting information out earlier. Many did not understand what they were voting for. The Commission needs to be more proactive. S. Gregg said she wanted more positive energy in town – more “building community.” Town Administrator Sue Arguin suggested a community event to counter the negative energy. The goal would be to bring people to the table to counter the unfortunate divisions in town. She wants to plan something to bring people together without an agenda, and to show off something we’re proud of at the same time – the Town beach, a bonfire, a cook-out? Something with an inviting atmosphere and music by local musicians. Perhaps by the end of August? If held at the Town beach, parking could be a problem. Encourage people to walk or bicycle there, or a shuttle from the School? It could include volleyball games – form teams ahead of time. Sue will follow up planning.
New Business
- Gregg read a letter that will be sent to Northwest Regional Planning Commission requesting regional approval of the 2023 Town Plan (required as part of the adoption process). The Commission members signed the letter.
Approve Minutes of July 18, 2023
- Roy moved to approve the minutes of July 18, 2023, with typo corrected; D. Bedard second. All in favor.
Administrator’s Report
- 2024 Municipal Planning Grant applications will open on September 1st and close on November 1st. Is the Commission interested in applying for one?
- FYI – Taylor-Varney received word last week that the Island Time mini-golf course, approved by the DRB in late June, has been withdrawn. The Applicant will be moving from the area and has decided not to proceed.
- Gammal suggested adding ‘teasers’ to the sandwich board in front of the Town Office about upcoming meetings – Selectboard, DRB, Planning Commission, Conservation Commission, Recreation Commission – to encourage more public interest. D. Bedard suggested the same for the sandwich board at the bank. Tim Maxham said that most people are oblivious to what goes on on a regular basis.
Announcements
There were none.
Next Meeting
There will be no PC meeting on August 16. The next meeting will be September 6, 2023, at 6PM at the Town Office.
Adjournment
6:48PM — M. Gammal moved to adjourn; D. Bedard 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.