South Hero, Vermont

Zoning Administrator

June 1, 2022 PC Agenda

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SOUTH HERO PLANNING COMMISSION

Agenda

6PM on June 1, 2022

 

This meeting will be held in the Town Office.  A Zoom option is available.

For 1st Wednesday of the month, this is the sign-in: 819 7453 3374 – Use Passcode 462948

For 3rd Wednesday of the month, this is the sign-in: 845 1011 4347 – Use Passcode 307147 

 

 

AGENDA

 

  1. Changes to the Agenda
  2. Public Comment
  3. Continue 2023 Town Plan work

— Review FINAL draft of Town Plan survey formatted questions

— Discuss Public Outreach PR

— Discuss idea of a Resource Section

  1. ARPA Committee update
  2. Wastewater planning and assessment committee update – George Harwood
  3. Old Business
  • School Safety Zone Update – Fred Bartle
  • 2022 VTrans Bicycle and Pedestrian Grant Program update – Sandy Gregg
  1. New Business
  2. Meeting Minutes – May 18, 2022
  3. Administrator’s Report
  4. Next Meeting – June 15, 2022
  5. Adjournment

 

May 18, 2022 PC Minutes

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SOUTH HERO PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES                                       May 18, 2022

 

Members Present: Sandy Gregg (Chair); Michele Gammal (Vice-Chair); Fred Bartle

Members Absent: George Harwood; David Roy

Others Present: Joan Falcao; Emily Klofft (NRPC); Bridget Kerr (via Zoom); Kathy Magill (via Zoom); Martha Taylor-Varney (ZA)

 

6:04PM – S. Gregg opened the meeting.

 

Changes to the Agenda

There were none.

 

Public Comment

There was none.

 

Continue Town Plan Discussion

  1. Emily Klofft of NRPC to discuss data to be included in the plan: Emily presented a PowerPoint data presentation to the Commission. This will be put on the South Hero – Town Plan page of the NRPC website. South Hero’s year-round population has grown 3% since 2010.  Subject headings include Land Use, Transportation and Complete Streets, Municipal Facilities and Services, Housing, Local Economy, Climate and Flood Resilience.  A copy of the presentation is also available from the Zoning Office.
  2. Review draft of Town Plan Survey Formatted Questions: The questions are based on the work by the survey committee (Sandy Gregg, Michele Gammal, Joan Falcao). The draft included open-ended questions related to specific Town Plan Guiding Themes.
  3. Vibrant Villages (Change to Village Zoning Districts) – Emily reported that median primary home sale prices from 2015 to 2021 had increased by 74%. Joan Falcao was concerned about no minimum lot sizes in the village zoning districts.  Can these be covered in general comment at the end of the survey, or should there be more specific references to this? She also recommended adding support/neutral/against for each question, rather than “dos you support…”.  Bridget Kerr suggested changing “concentrated Development” to “density.” It was suggested to add the purpose statement from the Regulations to the introductory paragraph.  Also, add additional lines to the “other” designation to allow for more room to write comments.
  4. Public Transit — question on public transit: would you use it; how would you use it (commute to work, appointments/etc.); how often?
  5. Water Quality – questions include whether residents support efforts to increase public drinking water?; efforts to improve water quality of Lake Champlain?
  6. Recreation – the Commission removed questions about the proposed Rec Park since the Recreation Commission is including them in their survey.
  7. Equity and Inclusion – how can South Hero be welcoming to all people. It was decided to remove the question “Would you like more information about what “Equity and Inclusion” means?

 

ARPA Committee Update

There was no update.

 

Wastewater Planning and Assessment Committee Update

George Harwood was not available.

 

Old Business

  1. Fred Bartle spoke with David Hobbs about School Safety Zones. Fred needs additional information about safety zones for crosswalks and will discuss with D. Hobbs further.
  2. 2022 VTrans Bicycle and Pedestrian Grant Program update: Sandy Gregg explained that this is only for a scoping study to study the possibility of sidewalks in both villages. The study is required for any future implementation grant to develop.  Should the Town apply?  More discussion is included on the Selectboard agenda for their next meeting.

 

New Business

There was discussion about identifying areas of forest fragmentation and maintaining wildlife corridors in a map for the Town Plan.

 

Meeting Minutes

Fred Bartle moved to approve the minute of May 4, 2022; Michele Gammal second.  Joan Falcao asked that the discussion about the survey draft at that meeting related to minimum lot sizes be added to the minutes because “community members are concerned.”  Sandy Gregg commented that minutes are not a transcript of the meeting.  Fred suggested adding that as part of public comment.  Joan agreed to do that at the next meeting.  At the end of discussion, the motion to approve the minutes was unanimous.

 

Administrator’s Report

-There will be a webinar sponsored by VLCT on Regulating on May 24 from 10 to noon.

-The 2022 Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference will be in St. Johnsbury on June 9th, hosted by the VT Dept. of Housing and Community Development.

 

The next meeting will be June 1st at 6PM.

 

8:03 – Michele Gammal moved to adjourn; Sandy Gregg 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.

May 4, 2022 PC Minutes

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SOUTH HERO PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES                                       May 4, 2022

 

Members Present: Sandy Gregg (Chair); Michele Gammal (Vice-Chair); David Roy; George Harwood; Fred Bartle

Others Present: Joan Falcao; David Hobbs; Tim Maxham; Kathy Magill (via Zoom); Greta Brunswick, NRPC (via Zoom), Martha Taylor-Varney, ZA.

 

6:00PM – S. Gregg called the meeting to order.

 

Changes to the Agenda

Adjust the agenda until Greta signs on.

 

Public Comment

There was none.

 

ARPA Committee Update

  1. Roy reported that the ARPA survey is now available.

 

Continue 2023 Town Plan discission

Debrief Stakeholders’ discussions – All members had compared their notes to those provided by Northwest Regional Planning.  There were no comments. Greta Brunswick will post them on the South Hero page of the NRPC website.  These will be revisited at a future meeting.  S. Gregg will post on FPF that the notes are available on the Town website under Planning Commission.

Review Draft of Proposed Survey – The Commission reviewed the draft survey questions by S. Gregg, M. Gammal, and Joan Falcao.  Greta Brunswick of Northwest Regional Planning Commission helped review the questions, offering suggestions and alternate ideas.   The Commission agreed that the goal of the survey should be to identify common themes to help form a vision statement.  The survey will be open for the month of June.  There was discussion about wording and rephrasing questions.  Themes of the survey include — Housing: The questions will consider housing needs – a) affordability; b) do housing options meet the needs of the community? c) short-term rental – should these be regulated?  Transportation: Needed to provide information to Green Mountain Transit and CIDER.  Would public transportation be utilized here if it was available?  Water Quality: Add water supply and wastewater management?  Recreation and Public Safety: The focus should be on the proposed Town Park.  Need to prioritize what activities community members want to see there. David Hobbs also suggested a questions about whether the community would support multi-use paths and trails for pedestrians and bikes for connectivity?  Equity and Inclusion: Greta suggested that this part be approached from the standpoint that we need to learn more and do more.  Greta suggested adding a section on Vibrant Villages with village-related questions. The Village zoning district purpose statement and the village zoning district maps from the Development Regulations needs to be included for reference. Greta suggested including a general question “Do you have concerns with the vision described in the village zoning district purpose statement”? rather than getting too specific with questions that could be considered leading.

Joan Falcao suggested a question directly related to businesses – Are there impediments that businesses face in South Hero?  Is there anything the Development Regulations can do to support businesses here?  S. Gregg recommended that the Commission sponsor a public meeting specific to that subject instead.

Public Outreach schedule – public outreach opportunities to gain feedback will include [CCC’s] on June 27 and August 22, in addition to a table at the Farmers’ Market on June 22, July 13, and August 17.

Discuss idea of a Resource section – for the back of the Town Plan, to include stakeholders’ links, other links, and references.  Greta agreed that it would be a good idea.

 

Future Agenda Items – it was suggested to put Impact Fees on the June 15 Planning Commission agenda for discussion, not as part of the Town Plan discussion. Could possibly be included as a mention in the Plan.  The May 18 agenda will include Emily Klofft of NRPC reviewing data that will be used in the plan.

 

New/Old Business

  1. Gregg will discuss with David Hobbs whether the Town should apply for the 2022 VTrans Bicycle and Pedestrian Grant Program. This would be for a scoping study. Sandy wants to concentrate on sidewalks in South Hero Village first.  The application is due by the beginning of June.  The Selectboard must authorize it and would need to agree to a 20% match. Sandy also reported that the renewals of the Village Center Designations for South Hero and Keeler Bay Villages have been renewed by the State.

 

Wastewater Planning and Assessment Committee Update

  1. Harwood reported that the committee is moving along. The contract for Otter Creek Associates was signed by the Selectboard. The application for the State Revolving Fund grant has been submitted.  The committee’s survey has been mailed out to residents in the 2 village zoning districts.

 

Meeting Minutes

  1. Bartle moved to approve the minutes of April 20, 2022; M. Gammal second. All in favor.

 

Administrator’s Report

ZA Martha Taylor-Varney told the Board about a VLCT webinar scheduled for May 24th on required regulations related to cannabis.  It is recommended for ZA’s, Planning Commission members, and Selectboard members.  She will forward the registration information to the PC members.

Martha discussed with the Board a recent change to a VTrans rule and how it had affected a local resident’s subdivision review before the DRB.  She noted that towns are too often not notified of changes in State regulations until months after they are implemented, resulting in delays and additional financial obligations to applicants.

 

The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be May 18, 2022 at 6PM.

 

Due to the late hour, agenda 6 (School Safety Zone Update) will be included on the May 18 agenda.  Planning Commission Rules of Procedure prohibit any meeting lasting longer than 2 hours.

 

 

Adjournment

8:00 — G. Harwood moved to adjourn; M. Gammal 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.

 

May 25, 2022 DRB Agenda

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TOWN OF SOUTH HERO

DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD

May 25, 2022

 

Meeting to be held at the Town Office. Zoom Option Available.

Recurring Link for Zoom: 4thd Wednesday of the month – Meeting ID: 849 2924  9458 Password: 699999

 

NOTE — Meeting begins at 7PM

 

 

AGENDA

 

 

  1. Changes to the Agenda
  2. Public Input
  3. Setback waiver request to add a porch within the road setback at 310 US RT 2 – Hayward (22-62-RT310)
  4. Setback waiver request for additional living space within the lake setback at 23 Kibbe Farm Rd. – Kowalewitz (22-67-KF023)
  5. Old Business
  6. Review of Minutes
  7. Administrator’s Report
  8. Adjournment
  9. Deliberation

 

May 11, 2022 DRB Minutes

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SOUTH HERO DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD MINUTES                   May 11, 2022

Special Meeting – 6:30PM

Regular Meeting – 7:00PM

 

SPECIAL MEETING

 

Members Present some via Zoom:   Tim Maxham (Chair), Doug Patterson (Vice Chair), Mike Welch, Liza Kilcoyne, Nate Hayward, Gareth Hunt and James Brightwell.

 

Others Present: Martha Taylor-Varney (Zoning Admin), Susan Arguin (Clerk), Michael & Michelle Gammal, Bill Deming, Sue Haigh, Ron Phelps, Mitchel Richardson, Tonya Poutry, Jackie Snider, Howard Snider.

 

6:30PM – Special Meeting called to order by Tim Maxham.

 

Changes to Agenda – There were none.

 

Public Input – There was none.

 

This was a special meeting to continue the review from April 27, 2022 – Conditional Use/Site Plan amendment for a Mobile  Vendor – Keeler Bay Associates 464 US Rte 2:     Introductions were made.  Martha Taylor-Varney read the warning and the Chair swore in any additional attendees who may want to speak.  After much discussion the board felt it necessary for the applicant to go back and revise their site plan to include – 1) delineation for parking in Zone 3 and, 2) water/trash/porta-let locations in Zone 3.  The original application did not include the waterfront area of Lot 1 (Marina).  No abutting landowners had been notified. There was confusion as to the total number of vendors vs. the number of vendor zones. How many vendors?  When would they be there?  Is there ample parking?  Barriers between vendor areas and parking?  How late would they be there on any given day?  The Applicants stated that porta-lets will be provided by each vendor. How many, where, and verification that Vendors are responsible?  Noise? Music?  The board asked that the Applicant provide an updated site plan to the Zoning Administrator.  Chair Tim Maxham closed the hearing at 7:15PM.

 

Adjournment of Special Meeting: Nate Hayward made the motion to adjourn at 7:18 PM. and Mike Welch seconded.  All in favor.

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

 

Members present via Zoom:  Tim Maxham (Chair), Doug Patterson, Gareth Hunt, Nate Hayward, Liza Kilcoyne, Jim Brightwell (via Zoom), Mike Welch.

 

Others Present:  Tonya Poutry, Mitchell Richardson, Bill Deming, Sue Haigh, Ron Phelps, Jackie Snider, Howard Snider, Martha Taylor-Varney (Zoning Admin), Susan Arguin (Clerk),

 

 

7:20 PM meeting called to order by Tim Maxham.

 

Changes to Agenda:  There were none.

 

Public Input: There was none.

 

Amend Mobile Vendor approval for 7 Ferry Road, Tonya Poutry:    Introductions were made, the warning was read, and the Chair administered the oath for those who may want to speak.  The application was to amend DRB decision 21-53-FR007, which allowed a food truck to operate at what was then known as the Green Frog on Wednesdays and Thursdays.  Ms. Poutry has since purchased the property and received approval from the DRB in 2021 for an added use (professional space – Islander newspaper office) on addition to the existing gift shop.   She is asking that the approval be expanded to 7 days/week, and to expand the days of operation to year-round. Discussion included that the initial vendor was going to provide food mostly pre-ordered food, with limited additional food available that would not be prepared on-site.  This time the Applicant is asking for more of a traditional food vendor, preparing food as it is ordered, as well as including picnic tables for customers.  The board had concerns about the amount of parking available (10 spaces exist for use by the Islander newspaper office and the gift shop) and had questions regarding what the hours would be.  Would there be porta-johns available? Yes, this will be located out of sight, behind the building. There will already be a dumpster on site that can be used for trash.  The board requested that the Applicant provide an updated site plan showing porta-john and trash container locations, power and water connections, and picnic tables to the ZA.  Chair Tim Maxham closed the hearing at 7:46PM.

 

Continue Setback Waiver request at 30 Lands End Way (from 4/13)-Deming:

8:49PM – Tim Maxham opened the hearing.  Mike Welch recused himself from this hearing.  Mr. Deming presented a new proposal to the Board for the replacement of his camp on his pre-existing, non-conforming lakefront lot. Modifications included the size, reduced from 423sf to 352sf (measuring 16’x22’). The proposed structure is 3.78-feet further from the lake, approx. one foot further from the west boundary, and 4.4-feet further from the east boundary. The setback ditances include the eaves of the replacement camp structure.  Abutting neighbors Jackie and Howard Snider were concerned about where the waste water would be going.  The camp meets the definition of a ‘primitive camp.’  Mr. Deming proposes a composting toilet.  There will be no shower facilities.  Gray water from the sink will go directly into the ground.  Chair Tim Maxham closed the hearing at 8:13PM.

 

Continue Final Site Plan Review-LPD Holdings redevelopment of Sand Bar Motel Property (from 4/27)  :  The Chair re-opened the hearing at 8:15.  He explained that the Applicant had not been able to schedule a review with the Fire Department, as requested by the Board on April 27, prior to the Department’s next scheduled business meeting on May 25th, ad asked for a delay to the Board’s June 8 meeting. Gareth Hunt moved to recess the hearing to June 8, 2021 at 7PM; Liza Kilcoyne second.  All in favor.

 

Review of Minutes: Mike Welch moved to accept minutes from April 27, 2022, as written; Gareth Hunt second.  All in Favor.

 

Administrator’s Report: The upcoming schedule include –

May 25th: Nate Hayward’s Setback waiver at 310 US RT 2; Ken Kowalewitz setback waiver at 23 Kibbe Farm Rd.;

June 8th: Dean Henry Subdivision Amendment at 129 Ferry Rd., and con’t LPD Holdings Final Site Plan review at 59 US RT 2.

June 22nd: 2-lot subdivision proposed final plat review at 61 Station Rd.

Martha reported that the Selectboard had appointed Ellie Reid to finish Mike Welch’s term as an Alternate member of the DRB until Dec. 31, 2022, after which she can request to be appointed for a full term of year. Mike Welch was previously appointed to finish the 3-year term of Bill Rowe, who resigned from the Board in March.

 

Adjournment: . 8:35PM — Liza Kilcoyne moved to adjourn the meeting; Mike Welch second.  All in favor.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Susan Arguin/DRB Clerk

 

 

Signed:______________________________________Date:________________________

For the DRB

 

These minutes are unofficial until approved at the next regularly scheduled meeting.  All motions were unanimous unless otherwise indicated.