SOUTH HERO PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES August 20, 2025
Members Present: David Roy (Chair); Don Bedard (Vice-Chair); Michele Gammal; Joan Falcao; Brook Scott.
Others Present: Martha Taylor-Varney (ZA).
6:00PM – D. Roy called the meeting to order.
Changes to the Agenda
There were no changes.
Public Comment
No public attended.
Old Business
- Continue discussion on South St./ Lavin property multi-modal path – D. Roy’s office is preparing a comprehensive map of all existing and proposed South Hero trails/paths. M. Gammal told the Commission that a recent AARP meeting in Williston on walking paths/sidewalks/etc. for older residents was very good. She proposed that South Hero consider hosting one in the future. J. Falcao commented that the Selectboard has encouraged the Recreation Commission, the Planning Commission, and the South Hero Land Trust to work together in developing recreational opportunities in South Hero, including on the recently purchased Lavin parcel.
- Definitions – Average Natural Grade and Pre-Construction Elevation: D. Roy gave the Commission members proposed draft definitions. He said he prefers to keep them general. A definition of pre-construction grade should be added to Article 10 (Definitions). Discussion included whether geo-tech analysis may be necessary in some instances, whether to update or remove Figure 2.1 (measuring height of a structure), and whether to ask the DRB to comment on the discussion. The Commission members will review these, and the discussion will continue at the next meeting.
- Additional Report on Featherbed Lane/Apple Island/RT 2 scoping study — J. Falcao told the Commission about an early August meeting with the VTrans consultant with the study committee to establish a meeting time/date for public comment. They provided statistics from a traffic study on July 4th centered on pedestrian crossings on RT 2. An August 11 Selectboard meeting included public input related to speed, sidewalks, cars passing on the shoulder, and the need for more signage. The consultants will come back later in Fall 2025 with recommendations.
Approve Minutes from the PC Meeting on July 16, 2025
D. Bedard moved to accept the minutes of July 16, 2025; J. Falcao second. All in favor.
Administrator’s Report
- Vermont Community Development Association is holding a conference on September 24, 2025 in Wilmington, VT on Repurposing Civic Buildings into Community Assets.
- Martha received the annual VT E911 Update of the E911 map book this week.
- Martha will not be able to attend the September 17, 2025 PC meeting.
- Martha will send the link for the required on-line ethics training to Brook. All other PC members have completed it.
Announcements
There were none.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will be September 3, 2025.
Adjournment
6:43 – J. Falcao 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.