Selectboard Minutes

Regular Meeting of Monday October 25, 2021 at 7:00 PM

At South Hero Town Hall and via Zoom

 

Board Members Present: David Carter/Chairman, Ross Brown/Vice Chairman, Chuck Hulse, Anne Zolotas

Board Members Not Present: Skip Brown/Board Secretary

Others Present:    Michele Gammal; Tim Maxham; Cathie Merrihew; Teresa Robinson; Peter Zamore; Ron Phelps; Ken Kowalewitz; Liz Wirsing; Martha Taylor-Varney/SB Assistant

 

1. Called to Order:

-The meeting was called by Chairman Carter at 7:00 pm

 

2. Adjustment to Agenda:

            -Item 7C – Granny’s Attic – was moved to the November 8, 2021 agenda.

 

3. Minutes:

–Chuck Hulse made a motion to acknowledge the minutes of the meeting of October 11, 2021.  The motion was seconded, all who were in attendance at the last meeting so voted and the motion carried.

 

4. Public input:
5. A. David Carter asked to acknowledge Chris Herrick, past South Hero SB Chair, recently appointed as Chair of the VT Fish and Game Commission.
6. B. Michele Gammal gave the Board a follow-up on Weekend in the Islands, held the weekend of October 9-10. It was a huge success with many South Hero businesses having 3 times their normal volume of business. She thanked the Town and Selectboard for their support.  Grand Isle and North Hero are interested in taking part next year.  The goal was to encourage participation throughout town, not just on South St.  David thanked Michele for her efforts. Michele requested that the Selectboard consider including $1000 in the budget to help support next year’s Weekend in the Islands.

 

5. New Business:
6. A. Peter Zamore reported on the first meeting of the South Hero Wastewater Committee. Committee members are Peter (Chair), George Harwood (Clerk), Ross Brown, and Bob Buermann. Greta Brunswick of NRPC is contributing technical help.  The Committee felt the focus should be on the Keeler Bay and South Hero Village Districts, rather than the whole town. Greta explained the option of pursuing a “planning advance” grant to explore alternatives, feasibility, costs, etc.  The benefit of this would be that there would be no need to pay back the funds unless the project is built. The committee encourages additional members interested in taking part. November meetings will be on the 1^st, 15^th, and 29^th, held at the Town Office or via Zoom at 4:30PM.
7. B. Terry Robinson and Cathie Merrihew presented the budget for the South Hero Bicentennial Museum. They updated the Board on recent additions to the museum and invited the Board to visit the museum prior to a future meeting. During Weekend in the Islands, they had the most visitors than one day ever. Cathie told the Board that the building is old but currently in good shape. The “Honeymoon Cottage” is not part of the museum budget.  It is supported entirely by donations and volunteers.  The Museum is asking for level funding in the FY 2023 budget — $6200.
8. C. Ken Kowalewitz and Liz Wirsing presented the budget for the Worthen Library. Ken explained that the library is actually 2 organizations – the Worthen Library and the South Hero Library Foundation.  The Worthen Library offers over 75 programs in addition to lending books, snowshoes, and E-bikes.  The Foundation mission is to promote the library, build the brand, and raise funds.  Liz presented the budget, explaining that it is based on the last 2 years of operating costs. The library is estimating a budget of $149,614.02, and is asking the taxpayers for $110,000.

 

6. Administrative Assistant Report:
7. A. See the written report filed with these minutes (below on the website or filed in Town Hall).

 

7. Old and Ongoing Business:
8. David Carter reported that the fundraising for the Old White Meeting House is going well.
9. B. David explained that he had attended the Planning Commission’s Oct. 20 meeting where the agenda included an NRPC webinar on ARPA funds. There are currently 66 categories by the US Dept. of the Treasury that are allowed for the use of ARPA funds. More may be added.  David asked the Planning Commission to establish a committee of community members to gather public input for allocation of the funds.
10. C. The Board signed the contract with Reprographics to print the 2021 Town Report. The cost to print 900 copies will be $1829.00 — $500 more than last year. There is a projected paper shortage this year, resulting in a considerable increase in cost.  Ross Brown made a motion to sign the contract with Reprographics.  The motion was seconded, all who were in attendance at the meeting so voted and the motion carried.  There was additional discussion about what options the Board may consider for future Reports – a pdf on the Town website, a minimal number of paper copies in addition the pdf on the website?

 

8. Announcements and Communications:
9. Chuck Hulse agreed to assume the Town Health Officer position if Anne Zolotas (current Health Officer) agrees to assist on the transition. Anne Zolotas made a motion to appoint Chuck Hulse as the Town Health Officer. The motion was seconded, all who were in attendance at the meeting so voted and the motion carried.
10. David read a letter from the town of Colchester, VT stating that they had relinquished their part of the causeway to the VT Dept. of Forest and Parks. Selectboard discussion included what part of the causeway does South Hero own?  Anne asked if there was a deed from when the causeway was transferred from the railroad to the Town.  The Board decided to add this discussion to the agenda at a later meeting.
11. Additional discussion included the safety of local roads for bicyclists, especially at some confusing intersections (for example, Station/Tracy Rds.). Ross Brown stated that The Town may need to start considering alternate bike/pedestrian paths for the busier roads throughout South Hero.

 

9. Other Business:
10. A. Order #22-09 was signed. 22-09 payroll will be signed by Oct. 26. Anne Zolotas made a motion for a board member to sign order #22-09 on Oct. 26. The motion was seconded, all who were in attendance at the meeting so voted and the motion carried.
11. – Town Treasurer Kim Julow reported the Town will be receiving $97,273 in hold harmless payment this fiscal year.

     – The Board discussed the suggested reapportioning letter the Town received this week. The BCA needs to respond by November 15.  A BCA meeting will be scheduled sometime during the week of November 8^th.  A final report will be delivered on November 29^th.

– Kim asked the Board about budget schedules so she can prepare the needed reports.  It was decided to include some time at the end of each upcoming meeting until completed.

    – The Board agreed to let Kim decide whether to include delinquent taxes to the tax year, ending on April 30, or as part of the fiscal year, ending on June 30.

1. There was no Recreation Commission (RC) update.
2. D. Ross Brown reported that the Highway garage roof is being re-coated and the paving is nearly done. Martin’s last day will be Nov. 3^rd.  There have been no applicants to fill the position yet.  No date has been set yet to close on the Hill Rd. parcel that is to be added to the Town Garage lot for a new salt shed.

 

 

10. Adjournment:

-Ross Brown made a motion to adjourn 8:50 pm.  The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,                                      Approved by,

 

_______________________________                ________________________________

Martha Taylor-Varney                                       David Carter, Chairman

 

Administrative Officer’s Report to Selectboard                                          October 25, 2021

 

Discussion Items:

1. Scheduled so far for 2023 budget discussion:

October 25,2021 – Museum; Library

November 8, 2021 – Sheriff’s Dept.; Cemetery Commission; SHVFD, South Hero Rescue

November 22, 2021 – Highway Dept.

I’m still waiting to schedule Rec Commission – hopefully Nov. 22^nd?

 

2. A 5^th Monday meeting has been scheduled for the SB with the Planning Commission and DRB. I need confirmation of the time – 6 or 7PM?
3. Town Attorney Andy McIlwaine is reviewing the documentation for the final grant agreement for the Bayview Crossing Implementation grant. These administrative costs are included as part of the grant.  There will be no charge to the Town.
4. Annual post-closure landfill monitoring is conducted each October. If the SB signs the client authorization at their 10/25 meeting, the work can be scheduled for this week.  The budget remains the same, as well as the terms and conditions from last year.
5. I received information last week for (what I assume is) a VLCT webinar on “Tree Law for Municipal Officials” regarding Vermont tree law and recent legislative changes to Act 171. This is open to Selectboards, Tree Wardens, Administrators, and Highway Staff to learn more about their dutie related to public shade tree management.  Contact ZA Martha Taylor-Varney for additional information and registration.
6. The South Hero Wastewater Committee held its first meeting on Monday, Oct. 18 at 4:30PM at the Town Office. Committee members are George Harwood (Clerk), Ross Brown, Peter Zamore (Chair), and Bob Buermann.  Greta Brunswick will represent NRPC on the committee. The committee will meet on 3 Mondays in November – the 1^st, 15^th, and 29^th – at 4:30PM in the Town Office. The meetings are open to the public.

 

 

Planning Commission:

The Planning Commission is now meeting in person but continues to provide a Zoom option for those who prefer.

1. The Planning Commission is completing the application for a 2022 Municipal Planning Grant for the 2023 Town Plan update. Deadline is October 31, 2021.  The Commission thanks Sandy Gregg for taking this monumental task on.
2. Additional discussion continues re ARPA fund possibilities. The Commission took part in an NRPC webinar on ARPA fund options at their October 20 meeting.

 

Development Review Board:

– DRB meetings moved back to in-person meetings at the Town Office on June 23.  The Zoom option will continue to be available.  The Board agreed to make the meeting time of 7PM, moved in June from 6PM, a permanent change.  The earlier time makes it difficult for some members to get there on time.

– The October 27 meeting includes a hearing for a 2-lot subdivision administrative review.

– No hearings are scheduled for the November 10 meeting, and the Nov. 22 meeting has been canceled due to the Thanksgiving holiday.  There will only be one meeting in December, on the 8^th, due to the Christmas holiday.

– Recent DRB hearing decisions are posted on the Board outside the ZA’s office or can be emailed upon request.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Martha Taylor-Varney (ZA and Assistant to the Selectboard)

 

 

 

Selectboard Minutes

Regular Meeting of Monday October 11, 2021 at 7:00 PM

At South Hero Town Hall and via Zoom

 

Board Members Present: David Carter/Chairman, Ross Brown/Vice Chairman, Chuck Hulse, Anne Zolotas (entered the meeting at 8:30PM).

Board Members Not Present: Skip Brown/Board Secretary

Others Present:    Mike Donoghue  (The Islander), Julow, Town Clerk/Treasurer, Martha Taylor-Varney, ZA, Karen Browning (via Zoom), Sandy Gregg (via Zoom), Tim Maxham, and Cindy Reid, Cathedral Square Corp. (via Zoom)

 

1. Called to Order:

-The meeting was called by Chairman Carter at 7:00 pm

 

2. Adjustment to Agenda:

            -none

 

3. Minutes:

–Chuck Hulse made a motion to acknowledge the minutes of the meeting of September 27, 2021.  The motion was seconded, all who were in attendance at the last meeting so voted and the motion carried.

–Ross Brown made a motion to acknowledge the minutes of the special meeting of October 7, 2021, to approve conduit connection from the Fire/Rescue building to Bayview Crossing.   The motion was seconded, all who were in attendance at the meeting so voted and the motion carried.

 

4. Public input:
5. A. David Carter congratulated Planning Commission member Michele Gammal, the vendors, and visitors for the Weekend in the Islands celebration in South Hero over the weekend of October 9 and 10. It was a great success, and the Board appreciated the effort made by all.
6. B. Bridget Kerr read a statement to the Selectboard [included as an attachment to the minutes]. David Carter responded that the Selectboard’s vote to approve the proposed amendments to the Development Regulations was in the best interest of the Town.
7. C. Karen Browning asked the Board what their thought were on reapportionment. None of the current representatives of Grand Isle County are from the Islands (2 reps from Milton and the Senator from Colchester). Karen asked of the Board supported redistricting to have better representation. Karen will send a current plan to the Board for their response. Proposals are requested by October 18. This will be a future agenda item.

 

5. New Business:
6. A. Cindy Reid of Cathedral Square presented an amended MP1 policy from VCDP, requiring the addition of “no texting while driving” to the municipal policy. Ross Brown made a motion to approve the addition and sign the amended policy. The motion was seconded, all who were in attendance at the meeting so voted and the motion carried.
7. B. Cindy Reid also presented the VCDP Admin Services Program Management Contract, allowing Cathedral Square to administer the recently received Implementation grant. The Treasurer’s responsibilities will be to maintain adequate records on receipt and disbursements of grant funds. Cathedral Square will be responsible for all other administrative duties required by the grant. Chuck Hulse made the motion to sign the contract. The motion was seconded and all those in attendance at the meeting so voted and the motion carried.
8. C. Ross Brown made a motion to sign the FY22 Municipal Resolution in support of the Planning Commission’s application for a municipal planning grant for the 2023 Town Plan update. The motion was seconded and all those in attendance at the meeting so voted and the motion carried.
9. D. Chuck Hulse made the motion to accept the name “Higgins Lane” for the private road/right-of-way created by the subdivision of 487 West Shore Rd. The motion was seconded and all those in attendance at the meeting so voted and the motion carried.
10. E. Ross Brown made the motion to authorize up to $570 for the purchase of a bulletin Board to be mounted on the plexiglass outside the front door of the Town Office. The motion was seconded and all those in attendance at the meeting so voted and the motion carried.
11. F. The Board tabled the appointment of a Health Office for a 3-year term and add it to the agenda for the Oct. 25 meeting.

 

6. Administrative Assistant Report:
7. A. See the written report filed with these minutes (below on the website or filed in Town Hall).

 

7. Old and Ongoing Business:
8. The OSHMH committee had a meeting with Rebecca Arnold of Arnold and Scangas architects on October 7^th, with a preliminary walkthrough of the building. The committee expects a report on structural issues, estimated renovation costs, and procedures going forward by winter. David announced Nate Hayward’s intention to donate land behind the meeting house to the Town to be used for recreation. A committee of local residents will be formed to consider options for the space.
9. B. Regarding ARPA funds, there will be a webinar on October 20 from 6 to 7:15PM to discuss the requirements and restrictions for the funds received by Town. South Hero will receive $493,000 in total funds.  The community will need to decide how to how to use the funds. David suggested that the Planning Commission host public meetings and conduct surveys to get public input. Ross would like to see community members not already on Boards take part. David will be meeting with the Planning Commission at their 10/20 meeting to ask the Commission to take on that responsibility.
10. C. Ross told the Board that he has been gathering information from other towns who have impact fees attached to building permits for new homes. NRPC will help review the information. Chuck Hulse asked if the impact fees would be earmarked for specific uses. Ross will send the information he has gathered so far to the Board members to review. Impact fees will be kept on the agenda for the Oct. 25 meeting. Tim Maxham suggested this be discussed at the 5^th Monday meeting scheduled with the DRB and Planning Commission on November 29, 2021.

 

8. Announcements and Communications:
9. David read a letter from Island Arts thanking the Board for the donation to their 2021 budget, and requested the same amount be considered for their upcoming 2022 budget.

 

 

9. Other Business:
10. A. Chuck Hulse made a motion to approve and sign orders 22-08 and to pay the bills associated with the orders. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.
11. B. Town budget discussion for FY2023 will begin at the Oct. 25, 2021 meeting. Refer to the Administrator’s Report for the organizations scheduled as of this evening.
12. Town Treasurer Kim Julow told the Board that the annual audit will start on October 18.
13. There was no Recreation Commission (RC) update.
14. D. Ross Brown reported that the Road Department has been very busy. They will meet their deadline to complete ditching on Hill Rd.  Test pits were dug on the Hill Rd. property behind the Town garage that the Town is considering purchasing for a new salt shed.  Septic need for the garage is yet to be determined.  Paving on Martin Rd. and Landon Rd. is complete.  Paving on Sunset View is ongoing.  There may still be an additional water leak in the line to the Town Office.  John Beaulac will be testing the water to determine if it is from the Fire District update:
15. E. Anne Zolotas asked that the Board understand the importance of bicyclists to the Town. The Town needs to work towards providing enough room on local roads for motorists and bikers to travel the roads safely.
16. F. Ross Brown offered an apology for anyone who was offended by his remarks at the Selectboard’s August 23^rd Public hearing and September 13 regular meeting.

 

10. Adjournment:

-Chuck Hulse made a motion to adjourn 8:50 pm.  The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,                                      Approved by,

 

_______________________________                ________________________________

Martha Taylor-Varney                                       David Carter, Chairman

 

Message to Selectboard Read by Bridget Kerr at 10/11/2 SB Meeting

Hello,

My name is Bridget Kerr.  I live on South Street, within the new South Hero Village Zoning District. I served on the South Hero Planning Commission from 2017-2020.

On June 16, 2021, at the Planning Commission’s public hearing on proposed amendments to the 2020 Development Regulations, the vice-chair of the Selectboard vigorously pushed back on my testimony, claiming that hearing from a few neighbors was not enough, that he needed to hear similar concerns from more residents.  So two months ago, neighbors gathered to discuss shared concerns about the direction of town planning, and in a short time, over 130 South Hero residents, including homeowners and businesses throughout town, signed a petition expressing opposition to allowing industrial use throughout our villages.

A hard copy of this petition, with signatures, was presented to this board at a well-attended public hearing of the Selectboard on August 23.  That evening, and at the subsequent Selectboard meeting, the majority of residents who spoke expressed concerns about industrial development; this time the vice-chair was interruptive and argumentative and he accused South Hero’s residents of being “apathetic.”  At your September 13 meeting, following little public discussion amongst board members, you voted unanimously to allow for industrial use throughout both village zoning districts where this use had been prohibited.

I’m here this evening to ask you to please explain why the Selectboard has not responded publicly to this petition.

Thank you.

 

 

Administrator’s Report – 10/11/21

Administrative Officer’s Report to Selectboard                                   October 11, 2021

Discussion Items:

1. Scheduled so far for 2023 budget discussion:

October 25,2021 – Museum; Library

November 8, 2021 – Sheriff’s Dept.; Cemetery Commission

November 22, 2021 – Highway Dept.

I’m still waiting to schedule Rec Commission; Fire Dept; Rescue

 

2. A 5^th Monday meeting has been scheduled for the SB with the Planning Commission and DRB.

 

 

Planning Commission:

The Planning Commission is now meeting in person but continues to provide a Zoom option for those who prefer.

1. The Planning Commission is completing the application for a 2022 Municipal Planning Grant for the 2023 Town Plan update. Deadline is October 31, 2021.  The Commission thanks Sandy Gregg for taking this monumental task on.
2. Additional discussion continues re ARPA fund possibilities.
3. The South Hero Wastewater Committee (they may change the name!) will hold their first meeting on Monday, Oct. 18 at 4:30PM at the Town Office. Committee members are George Harwood, Ross Brown, Peter Zamore, and Bob Buermann.  Greta Brunswick wil represent NRPC on the committee.

 

Development Review Board:

– DRB meetings moved back to in-person meetings at the Town Office on June 23.  The Zoom option will continue to be available.  The Board agreed to make the meeting time of 7PM, moved in June from 6PM, a permanent change.  The earlier time makes it difficult for some members to get there on time.

– Upcoming hearings include two 2-lot subdivision administrative reviews and a setback waiver request. I am scheduling DRB hearings into November 2021.

– Recent DRB hearing decisions are posted on the Board outside the ZA’s office or can be emailed upon request.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Martha Taylor-Varney (ZA and Assistant to the Selectboard)