Select Board Minutes

Selectboard Minutes
Regular Meeting of Monday June 27, 2022 at 7:00 PM
At South Hero Town Hall and via Zoom

Board Members Present: David Carter/Chairman (via Zoom), Skip Brown/Board Secretary, Ross Brown/Vice Chairman Anne Zolotas (arrived at 7:12), and Chuck Hulse (via Zoom)
Board Members Not Present: none
Others Present: Martha Taylor-Varney, ZA + Naomi King, Town Clerk + Kim Julow, Treasurer. Also see sign in sheet of in person and active Zoom participants. *Attendance SB 06-27-2022

1. Called to Order:
-The meeting was called to order by Vice – Chairman Ross Brown at 7:00 pm

2. Adjustment to Agenda:
-Change the order of New Business to allow Milton Rescue to go first

3. Minutes:
-David Carter made a motion to acknowledge the minutes of the meeting of June 13, 2022. The motion was seconded, all in attendance at the meeting so voted and the motion carried.

4. Public input:
A. Carol Tremble, who is a member of the Rec. Commission, and Jack Tremble were present to discuss the possibility of having the Town install a pump track on Town property. It was suggested that a plan with designs and pricing be brought to a future Selectboard meeting.

5. New Business:
A. Sean McCann and Mikaela Lazar of Milton Rescue were present to discuss having South Hero support Milton Rescue to obtain a paramedic license. David Carter made a motion to approve and sign a resolution supporting Milton Rescue obtaining a paramedic license. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.
B. Joe Connelly of RunVT was present to discuss the Island Vines running race that will occur on Sept. 18 beginning at Snow Farm Vineyard. It will begin at 9:00 am and will run out and back on West Shore Rd. The planners will install signage before the race and will do their best to minimize disruption to the traffic on West Shore Rd. David Carter made a motion to allow the Island Vines Race on Sept. 18, 2022. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.
C. South Hero Listers Sherry Corbin and Cecile Gove were present to discuss issues with the Listers. The State has changed parameters over the years and it is becoming a more complicated job than in the past. South Hero has utilized the services of Ted Nelson of Vermont Appraisal Co., but he is phasing out. The Listers are looking into solutions for the future. One possibility may be collaborating with other County towns who are having similar issues, and hiring professional assessor to do the job. This will be an ongoing discussion and more information will be forthcoming.
D. David Carter made a motion to appoint Fred Bartle and Michelle Gammal to 3 year terms on the Planning Commission. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.

6. Administrative Assistant Report:
A. See the written report filed with these minutes (Below on the website or in Town Hall).
B. Ross Brown made a motion to waive the boundary line adjustment fee for the parcel of land on Hill Rd. that the Town is planning to purchase for a future salt shed. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.

7. Old and Ongoing Business:
A. Due to the discovery of PFAS in the landfill, more testing needs to be done. The Town Consultants, VHB, has completed a desktop review memorandum outlining steps that they recommend. *2022-06-17_South Hero Landfill Desktop Review    David Carter made a motion to approve the June 17, 2022 memorandum so that VHB can forward it to the State for their input. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.

B. Bridget Kerr was present to discuss the possibility of forming a South Hero Conservation Commission. Such a commission would be an advisory body that could advise the Selectboard and help the PC craft a Town Plan. It appears that members would have to be South Hero, Vermont residents. Anne Zolotas made a motion to allow the formation of a Conservation Commission. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried. When names of possible members are brought to the Board, then the Board has the responsibility of formally appointing them to the Commission so that they can begin public meetings.

8. Announcements and Communications:
A. none at this meeting

9. Other Business:
A. Skip Brown made a motion to approve and sign orders 22-26 and to pay the bills associated with the orders. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.
B. Town Clerk/Treasurer updates: Kim Julow notes that this week is the last week of the fiscal year. She has no more outstanding expenses and expects income to cover the budget. She has learned that some funds are able to be carried over into the next fiscal year. Naomi King stated that she has been busy with absentee ballots for the upcoming primary.
C. Recreation Commission (RC) update: Chuck Hulse noted that the Beach area parking has been going well and the GMCS is doing a good job. The RC’s next meeting will be July 14 and there needs to be reorganization at that meeting as several members have left and there is no legislative body in the RC at this time. If you are interested in joining the Rec. Comm., please reach to the Town Clerk.
D. Road Department update: Roadside mowing is delayed due to a broken mower. The striping on Landon Rd. and South St has still not been completed and will be done as soon as possible.
E. Old South Hero Meeting House (OSHMH): The public outreach event was today and seemed well attended.
F ARPA fund updates: The Survey is complete and is being reviewed by the PC.
G. David Carter made a motion to go into executive session for personnel matters at 8:55 pm. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried. Executive session ended at 9:05 pm. After Executive session, David Carter made a motion to approve the rate of pay and salaries as budgeted. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.

10. Adjournment:
-Skip Brown made a motion to adjourn 9:07 pm. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,                                         Approved by,

_______________________________                       ________________________________
Graham Brown                                                        Ross Brown, Vice-Chairman

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Administrative Officer’s Report to Selectboard                                 June 27, 2022

1. I received the boundary adjustment application for the property the Town is buying from Gardner Construction on Hill Rd. It was approved on June 22^nd and will become effective on July 7^th, at which time the survey mylar will be recorded.  Does the Selectboard wish to waive the boundary adjustment fee ($115.00)?
2. I issued a Notice of Zoning Violation on June 14th to the McConnell Family Limited Partnership at 118 Featherbed Lane for a setback violation that occurred 10 years ago due to lake flooding in 2011. The statute of limitations for zoning violations is 15 years. The violation was reported in August 2021 and given a deadline of June 1, 2022 to correct.  The structure is still there.  The McConnells have asked Mark Naud to make arrangements for the removal of the structure from the Morrissette lakefront.  The original violation was identified in August 2021 and a deadline of September 30 was given for its removal.  A subsequent agreement between the parties moved the deadline to June 1, 2022.  As recent as this past April, the McConnells said the deadline would be met.  It was not.  I sent a required 7-day notice to the McConnells on June 1^st, giving them to June 9 to complete the removal (since I was out of town for part of that week).  Again, no removal nor any communication.  The Notice of Violation was mailed on June 14.  VLCT’s Municipal Assistance Center advised me that the 15-day appeal period that began with the issuance of the NOV and that an enforcement action could begin on June 29.  Mark Naud submitted an appeal to my NOV on June 22^nd but asked that I not schedule a hearing before the DRB yet.  He stated that he felt the structure could be moved by the end of July.  The Morrissettes are understandably upset since it has now been nearly 10 months since the violation was identified and they agreed to the extended period to remove the structure, with no compliance.  An appeal must go before the Development Review Board which requires a warning to appear in the Islander almost 3-weeks before the hearing date.  I have missed the required date for a July 13 hearing.  The next opportunity will be July 27, requiring a warning in the July 6^th Islander to meet statute.  Naud claims it can be removed by the end of July.  How long must the Town and the Morrissettes wait if my notice of violation is appealed but they don’t want to schedule a hearing yet?
3. I have emailed copies of the Environmental Due Diligence memo to the SB members for the South Hero Landfill site. This memo presents the work plan to further define the PFAS contamination, evaluate potential corrective action alternatives, as well as updating the 9/20/2019 Post Closure Certification Application, as requested by the State Solid Waste Program.  VHB needs the Board to review and approve this plan so it can be forwarded to the State for their review and approval.
4. There will be a free online training for Introduction to Floodplain Management available from the National Flood Insurance Program. This training will be self-paced and will offer the opportunity to take the Certified Flood Manager test at the end.  I took this course in-person in Essex Junction in 2018.  I applied to take the exam on 2 different occasions in the northern New England area but both exams were canceled.  I’d like to try again since this time it can be done online.  I hope to start the course in July as a refresher and take the exam in August or September.
5. I received notice that there is available funding for the FY2023 Building Communities Facilities Grants administered by the Department of Buildings and General Services.

• $300,000 – Recreational Facilities Grant Program
• $300,000 – Regional Economic Development Grant Program
• $150,000 – Human Services Facilities Grant Program
• $150,000 – Educational Facilities Grant Program

 

Planning Commission

2023 Town Plan discussion — The Commission has scheduled public outreach opportunities for June 27 (today from 4 to 6PM) and August 22, to be referred to as “Community Cheers and Cheese.”  Three additional outreach opportunities will be at the Farmers’ Market on June 22, July 13, and August 17. The June 27 outreach will be from 4-6pm at the Old South Hero Meeting House.

The PC’s survey has been approved and is now available online at the NRPC website under South Hero.

There will be no meeting on July 6^th.

Development Review Board

1. The site plan review for the redevelopment of the old Sand Bar Inn lot at 59 US RT 2 concluded on June 8^th. The Board has up to 45 days to reach its decision.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Martha Taylor-Varney, ZA and Asst. to the Selectboard

 

Selectboard Minutes
Regular Meeting of Monday June 13, 2022 at 7:00 PM
At South Hero Town Hall and via Zoom

Board Members Present: David Carter/Chairman, Skip Brown/Board Secretary, Ross Brown/Vice Chairman (arrived at 7:35), Anne Zolotas, and Chuck Hulse
Board Members Not Present: none
Others Present: Martha Taylor-Varney, ZA. Also see sign in sheet of in person and active Zoom participants. *Attendance SB 06-13-2022

1. Called to Order:
-The meeting was called to order by Chairman Carter at 7:02 pm

2. Adjustment to Agenda:
-none

3. Minutes:
-Chuck Hulse made a motion to acknowledge the minutes of the meeting of May 23, 2022. The motion was seconded, all in attendance at the meeting so voted and the motion carried.

4. Public input:
A. None

5. New Business:
A. Bridget Kerr was present to discuss the possibility of forming a South Hero Conservation Commission. Such a commission would be an advisory body that could advise the Selectboard and help the PC craft a Town Plan. See Attached *Conservation Commission 6-13-2022. It appears that members would have to be South Hero, Vermont residents. There were questions from the Board about how many members would need to be on such a commission, and with volunteerism being a challenge right now, would there be support. It was suggested that more information be brought to the next meeting.

6. Administrative Assistant Report:
A. See the written report filed with these minutes (Below on the website or in Town Hall).
B. Ross Brown made a motion to approve and have the Chairman sign two mobile vendor licenses from A. P. Designs & Carvings and Splice Cream, LLC that will be at Viva Marketplace. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.

7. Old and Ongoing Business:
A. The discussion about the landfill was tabled,since the meeting with the Town Consultants, VHB, will be tomorrow June 14 and there is no further info at this time.

8. Announcements and Communications:
A. Anne Zolotas is running the July 4 Parade. Ross Brown made a motion to spend up to $100.00 for Parade supplies and/or advertisements. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.

9. Other Business:
A. Skip Brown made a motion to approve and sign orders 22-25 and to pay the bills associated with the orders. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.
B. Town Clerk/Treasurer updates: none
C. Recreation Commission (RC) update: Chuck Hulse made a motion to appoint Rosemary Zamore and Mandy Hotchkiss to the Recreation Commission. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried. In the survey about a possible future recreation park, there was strong support for a dog park in South Hero. It was suggested that an informal study group be formed to explore where such a facility would be located and an estimate of building and maintaining it. Should such a facility deem to be considered, it was suggested that it be put up to a Town vote.

D. Road Department update: The large equipment trailer needs repair and is structurally unsound due to rust. A new/used one may be considered. Redoing the roadside striping is being looked into. Fog lines alone on South St. from Rte. 2 to Landon Rd. will cost about $16,000.00 and it was not currently budgeted for. Other possible funding sources are being explored. Roadside mowing needs to begin soon.
E. Old South Hero Meeting House (OSHMH): The preliminary plans for an addition have been submitted. There will be a public outreach meeting on June 27, 2022.
F. ARPA fund updates: None at this meeting.
G. Anne Zolotas made a motion to go into executive session for personnel matters at 8:16 pm. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried. Executive session ended at 8:35 pm. No action was taken after executive session.

10. Adjournment:
-Chuck Hulse made a motion to adjourn 8:37 pm. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,                                        Approved by,

_______________________________ ________________________________
Graham Brown                                                       David Carter, Chairman

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Administrative Officer’s Report to Selectboard                                 June 13, 2022

1. I received an email from Kasey Kathan, an analyst with the State Solid Waste Management program. She will be providing State oversight and support for the South Hero Landfill PFAS investigation.  She sent a letter outlining the next steps after the submission of the initial PFAS site investigation completed by VHB last year.  I forwarded this letter to Kurt Muller, our VHB project manager.  We will be having a meeting via Microsoft teams tomorrow (Tuesday), June 14 at 10am to go over the next steps.
2. I will be issuing a Notice of Zoning Violation tomorrow to the McConnell Family Limited Partnership at 118 Featherbed Lane for a setback violation that occurred 10 years ago due to lake flooding in 2011. The statute of limitations for zoning violations is 15 years. The violation was reported in August 2021 and given a deadline of June 1, 2022 to correct.
3. Brock Freyer of the State wetlands division told me that the area on Martin Rd. that was widened last year to allow for more parking close to the Allen Point Fishing Access/bike path had been expanded into existing wetlands and should have had a wetlands permit. He said the Town will need to get an after-the-fact permit which will likely be approved due to safety concerns, etc.  The wetlands will need to be delineated.  There is a 50-ft. buffer from the edge of a delineated wetland.
4. I have 2 mobile vendor licenses for the Board’s signature tonight.

Planning Commission

2023 Town Plan discussion — The Commission has scheduled public outreach opportunities for June 27 and August 22, to be referred to as “Community Cheers and Cheese.”  Three additional outreach opportunities will be at the Farmers’ Market on June 22, July 13, and August 17. The June 27 outreach will be from 4-6pm at the Old South Hero Meeting House.

The PC’s survey has been approved and is now available online at the NRPC website under South Hero.

Development Review Board

1. The site plan review for the redevelopment of the old Sand Bar Inn lot at 59 US RT 2 concluded on June 8^th. The Board has up to 45 days to reach its decision.
2. Additional upcoming reviews include a 2-lot subdivision and a setback waiver on a small lot in the Shoreland District.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Martha Taylor-Varney, ZA and Asst. to the Selectboard

 

Selectboard Minutes
Regular Meeting of Monday May 23, 2022 at 7:00 PM
At South Hero Town Hall and via Zoom

Board Members Present: David Carter/Chairman, Skip Brown/Board Secretary, Ross Brown/Vice Chairman, Anne Zolotas, Chuck Hulse
Board Members Not Present: none
Others Present: Naomi King, Town Clerk, Martha Taylor-Varney, ZA. Also see sign in sheet of in person and active Zoom participants. Attendance SB 05-23-2022

1. Called to Order:
-The meeting was called to order by Chairman Carter at 7:00 pm

2. Adjustment to Agenda:
-none

3. Minutes:
-Ross Brown made a motion to acknowledge the minutes of the meeting of May 9, 2022. The motion was seconded, all in attendance at the last meeting so voted and the motion carried.

4. Public input:
A. Bridgett Kerr commented on Town transparency, as she couldn’t find the minutes to the May 4, 2022 PC meeting. She also wondered if DRB decisions would be posted on the Town website, as they are now only available posted in Town Hall. South Street has “fog lines” painted. They are faded from Route 2 to Landon Rd. The State is in charge of the road paint, and they did not have paint in 2021. Ross Brown will check with the Road. Dept. to try to get an update on when painting will occur.
B. Ann Quinn heard a rumor that sidewalks may be planned for South St. She questions how that would impact South St. The Board has no knowledge of how this rumor started and she was assured that no sidewalks are planned for South St. at this time.
C. Joan Falcao mentioned that a survey for the 2023 Town Plan update is scheduled to be ready by June 1, 2022. She feels that the draft survey is not ready to be presented and that it is too general. She would like to see that more details be included. Note that the PC hired NRPC to help with the Town Plan update and that some of the items still need to be addressed. There is a timeline in order for the 2023 Town Plan to be finished in time.
D. Bob Fireovid wondered why “discuss recreation program manager job description” is on the agenda. The concern is that the Recreation Commission volunteers are too busy to coordinate all of the tasks necessary, and that this was mentioned at the last Selectboard meeting. Hence the agenda item. See below for the job description.
E. Phil Reynolds is concerned where the Village Zoning Districts are currently outlined in the zoning regulations. He feels that they are too large. They may be addressed in the new Town Plan, but are in effect now. Note that the NRPC was hired by the PC to help with the 2023 Town Plan and that most of the expense is being paid with a grant. Note that the Town Plan will be voted on by South Hero voters when it is complete.

5. New Business:
A. Jay Clark of Encore Renewable Energy discussed a possible solar array project on 20 acres in the Lavin Property at 275 Route 2. He is here to let the Town know that they are proposing approx. 5600 solar modules on 14 acres that should produce approx. 2.2 megawatts of electricity. As to the property, it is already subdivided and that lot line adjustments would have to occur for a 20 acre lot to be available. Encore would also have to apply to the Public Utilities Commission for a certificate of public good in order for a project like this to happen. More info will be available as this will need DRB approvals. Should it happen, it would probably be 18-24 months before it came online.
B. Guy Maguire of the South Hero Land Trust (SHLT) and the Recreation Trails Subcommittee discussed a proposed “Robinson Trail” from Tracy Rd. to South St. The group is working on a trail agreement between the landowners and the Town. A trail agreement is less formal than an easement over the land and can have a finite timeline to see if such a trail is viable. Also, the trail is proposed in a wetland buffer zone, so the State will also have to be agreement that it can happen. More info will follow.
C. Anne Zolotas will coordinate the July 4 parade. The theme this year will be Volunteerism. All are welcome to participate in the parade and volunteers to help out are welcome.

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

7. Old and Ongoing Business:
A. Sandy Gregg discussed a possible grant for a bicycle and pedestrian Scoping Study. The grant application would be for $50,000.00 with a $10,000.00 match. The match was not budgeted for. Should ARPA funds be available for the grant, then the consensus of the Board is to apply for it.

8. Announcements and Communications:
A. See other business

9. Other Business:
A. Ross Brown made a motion to approve and sign orders 22-24 and to pay the bills associated with the orders. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.
B. Town Clerk/Treasurer updates: none
C. Recreation Commission (RC) update: Chuck submitted a job description for a Recreation Commission Coordinator. See attached Recreation Coordinator. The Board will review it and discuss it at a future meeting. Ross Brown made a motion to Appoint David Lane to the Recreation Commission. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.
D. Road Department update: The Road Dept. has purchased a skid steer with a sweeping attachment. This will be used to clear sand from the road sides and intersection. The plan is to use it after a rain so not too much dust will occur. The culvert on Tracy Rd. is clogged with a beaver dam. The State has been contacted and the excavator may be used to help clear it.
E. Old South Hero Meeting House (OSHMH): The preliminary plans for an addition have been submitted. More info on Public outreach will follow.
F. ARPA fund updates: None at this meeting.
G. Skip Brown made a motion to approve and sign Grand Isle Sheriff contract. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.
The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.
H. Anne Zolotas made a motion to go into executive session for personnel matters at 9:10 pm. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried. Executive session ended at 9:20 pm. No action was taken after executive session.

10. Adjournment:
-Ross Brown made a motion to adjourn 9:21 pm. The motion was seconded, all in attendance so voted and the motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,                                          Approved by,

_______________________________ ________________________________
Graham Brown                                                       David Carter, Chairman

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Administrative Officer’s Report to Selectboard May 23, 2022
Discussion Items:
1. There is a VLCT webinar scheduled for tomorrow (May 24th) on Regulating Cannabis. I will be attending. Planning Commission members have expressed interest. I hope to get more information on what the Towns can regulate and what they cannot. I’ve had a number of building permit applications for greenhouse facilities.
2. I received an email from Kasey Kathan, an analyst with the State Solid Waste Management program. She will be providing State oversight and support for the South Hero Landfill PFAS investigation. She sent a letter outlining the next steps after the submission of the initial PFAS site investigation completed by VHB last year. Kasey has offered to meet with the Selectboard to go over the next steps, if you choose. I will forward the report to the SB members and it will be attached to this report under SB Minutes on the Town website. As reported at the last meeting, Kurt Muller of VHB will be the new project manager for the South Hero landfill 2021 PFAS investigation.
3. The Zoning Office will be closed Thursday, June 2 and Monday, June 6th.
Planning Commission
2023 Town Plan discussion — The Commission has scheduled public outreach opportunities for June 27 and August 22, to be referred to as “Community Cheers and Cheese.” Three additional outreach opportunities will be at the Farmers’ Market on June 22, July 13, and August 17.
Development Review Board
1. The next meeting will be May 25. This meeting includes 2 setback waiver hearings. DRB hearings are currently scheduled through the second DRB meeting in June. I don’t anticipate the schedule slowing down throughout the summer.
2. The site plan review for the redevelopment of the old Sand Bar Inn lot at 59 US RT 2 will continue on June 9. There has been a lot of interest and concern about the safety of the location for pedestrians crossing the road there to the marinas on the north side of RT 2. Would the Selectboard agree to sign a letter of support for a crosswalk and/or other mitigation to improve the safety in that section of US RT 2?

Respectfully submitted,
Martha Taylor-Varney, ZA and Asst. to the Selectboard

Selectboard Minutes

Regular Meeting of Monday May 9, 2022 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 Member Not Present: Skip Brown

Others Present:    Naomi King/Town Clerk, Martha Taylor-Varney, ZA; Sandy Gregg; Tim Maxham; Michael Frett; Andrew Herwig (Farm to Fork).

 

1. Called to Order:

-The meeting was called to order by Chair David Carter at 7:00 pm

 

2. Adjustment to Agenda:

            -add Sandy Gregg to Public Input

 

3. Minutes:

–Ross Brown made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of April 25, 2022.  Chuck Hulse seconded.  All in favor.

 

4. Public input:
5. Sandy Gregg (Chair of the Planning Commission) Discussed with the Board an application for a bicycle and pedestrian scoping study. The award will be between $20,000 and $40,000 and will require a 20% match by the Town. Can ARPA funds be used for the matching funds? Sandy suggested the study could focus on sidewalks and bike lanes in the 2 village districts. Chuck suggested that this needs to be coordinated with the recent VOREC grant that was awarded to Champlain Islands Economic Development, in partnership with Local Motion, SH Land Trust, NRPC, and the South Hero Recreation Committee.  Ross suggested a study for upgrading Lake View Rd. could be included.  Deadline for applications is June 8, 2022 at 1PM. This will be added to the 5/25 SB agenda for further discussion.

 

5. New Business:
6. A. Andrew Herwig discussed the upcoming Farm to Fork Fondo bicycle tour of Grand Isle County, scheduled to be held on Sunday, July 17, 2022. They anticipate near to pre-Covid numbers of riders and visitors and hope to host 600 to 800 riders. The ride will begin at Snow Farm.  The route map is the same as before. Instead of a mass start, as in previous years, the riders will be started in 150-person groups – the longest route will leave first and starts will continue in 15-minute intervals.   The organizers have coordinated with the Sheriff’s Department to assist at intersections and crowd control.  Cars will have priority over bicycles.  Andrew Herwig will send additional information to the Town Clerk.  Naomi has agreed to post it on Front Porch Forum. Ross moved to approve the bike tour; Chuck Hulse seconded.  All in favor.

 

6. Administrative Assistant Report:
7. A. See the written report filed with these minutes (Below on the website or in Town Hall).
8. B. The Board approved and signed a mobile vendor license application for B&M’s Famous Fries.
9. C. Ross moved to waive the building permit fee for Jeanne Lavigne to rebuild the house and garage that were destroyed in a fire in April.
10. D. Ross moved to appoint Ellie Reid to fill the vacant Alternate seat on the Development Review Board until the end of 2022; Chuck Hulse seconded. All in favor.
11. Old and Ongoing Business:

There was no new or ongoing business.

 

8. Announcements and Communications:
9. David Carter wanted to acknowledge Robin Way’s many years as executive director of CIDER and to thank him and wish him the best of luck in his retirement.

 

9. Other Business:
10. A. Ross Brown made a motion to sign order #22/23. Chuck Hulse seconded. All in favor.
11. B. The Town Clerk reported that 87 people had applied for the 60 available out-of-Town beach passes. 60 names were drawn and have been notified.
12. C. Recreation Commission – The Board discussed the eventual need for a recreation program manager. Chuck Hulse will put together a list of what responsibilities Recreation Commission members have for programs directed by the Commission. Could this position be filled by an intern from UVM?  This discussion will continue at the next meeting.
13. Road Dept. Update – The Highway Dept. has purchased a new skid steer. The final plan for the new salt shed is moving forward. There is no closing date yet for purchase of the property.   Ross reported that a 25% increase in paving costs this year may affect the scheduled repaving of Kibbe Point Rd. this summer.  There may not be enough funds available.  He will watch this and keep the Selectboard in the loop.
14. Old South Hero Meeting House — David Carter reported that the next meeting of the committee is May 17. The committee will meet with architects and engineers to firm up the plans. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will need to be created for the Grannies’ use of the meeting house.
15. ARPA – Their survey went live on April 25 and is available on the Town website and in the Town Office.
16. G. Wastewater Committee updates – Ross Brown reported that preliminary studies do not show an abundance of appropriate soils for community systems. This will increase the difficulty for development. The priority is to protect the lake, not for development.
17. H. Liquor Licenses – there were none presented at this meeting.

I . Ross Brown moved to re-appoint Patrick Robinson as the Town Fire Warden; Anne Zolotas seconded.  All in favor. 3 Liquor Licenses were signed for Blue Paddle.

 

The next meeting will be May 25, 2022 at 7PM.

 

 

10. Adjournment:

– Ross Brown made a motion to adjourn at 8;20PM; second by Anne Zolotas.  All in favor.

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted,                                      Approved by,

 

_______________________________                ________________________________

Martha Taylor-Varney (ZA)                               David Carter, Chair

 

Administrative Officer’s Report to Selectboard                                        May 9, 2022

Discussion Items:

1. There is 1 application for the SB to sign for 2022 Vendors’ licenses. The location for this vendor, the Goulets’, was reviewed and approved by the DRB last year.
2. There is a VLCT seminar scheduled for May 24^th on Regulating Cannabis. I will be attending. Planning Commission members have expressed interest.  Please let me know if you’d like me to forward the registration information.
3. Doug Allen of VHB contacted me to introduce Kurt Muller as VHB’s new project manager for the South Hero landfill 2021 PFAS investigation. The initial investigation report for the landfill has been submitted to the DEC. Kurt anticipates that the DEC will respond to the report and require further investigation of the landfill.
4. As you’ll recall, a home and garage belonging to Jeanne Lavigne were destroye in a fire on Lavigne Rd. last month. The site has been cleared and Jeanne has applied for a building permit to replace the garage. A permit for the replacement of the home will be coming in the future. I am asking that the Selectboard approve waiving the permit application fee for each structure as you have done in the past when homes were damaged or destroyed by fire.

Planning Commission

2023 Town Plan discussion — The Commission has scheduled public outreach opportunities for June 27 and August 22, to be referred to as “Community Cheers and Cheese.”  Three additional outreach opportunities will be at the Farmers’ Market on June 22, July 13, and August 17.

ARPA Committee updates – The ARPA committee survey went live on April 21^st.  There is a link to it on the Town website.

Development Review Board

1. The Applicant for the open Alternate seat on the DRB, Ellie Reid, has attended two meeings and hasn’t been scared away yet. I ask that the Selectboard appoint Ellie Reid to fill the vacant DRB Alternate seat for the remainder of 2022. Alternate terms are for 1 year, expiring on Dec. 31^st of each year.  In December, the Board can choose to reappoint Ellie for a full 1-year term.
2. The next meeting will be May 11. The schedule includes a special meeting at 6:30 to complete a hearing that recessed on April 27, followed by a regular 7PM meeting, where the Board will hold 3 more hearings – one recessed from April 27 and another from April 13.
3. I was notified on Thursday (5/5) that the start of site work for a subdivision approved by the DRB on Ferry Rd. (RT 314) has been delayed due to the change in a VTrans requirement regarding access permits onto State highways. The Town was never formally notified of this change until the applicant attempted to get a Letter of Intent from the State that his proposed access met VTrans requirements, something that was previously required by statute to be obtained before Town review. He was told that the LOI was no longer needed until after the Town review.  The project was approved with VTrans’ verbal approval of the access location. When the applicant applied for his access permit, he was told that the access needed to be moved.  This has resulted in not only a delay in the project, but additional cost to the Applicant due to changes that need to be made to the survey, then re-recorded with the Town. He must also have a hearing to amend the original survey, as required by our Development Regulations.  This cannot be scheduled for a month.  I am writing a letter to the VTrans permit specialist and plan to cc the Sec’y of Transportation, the DRB Chair, and the Planning Commission Chair.  I’m tired of the State changing the rules and not letting the Town know.

Respectfully submitted,  Martha Taylor-Varney, ZA and Asst. to the Selectboard

Selectboard Minutes

Regular Meeting of Monday April 25, 2022 at 7:00 PM

At South Hero Town Hall and via Zoom

 

Board Members Present: David Carter/Chairman (via Zoom), Ross Brown/Vice Chairman, Chuck Hulse.

Board Members Not Present: Skip Brown, Anne Zolotas

Others Present:    Naomi King/Town Clerk, Martha Taylor-Varney, ZA; Peter Zamore; Michele Gammal, Tim Maxham; Mike Donoghue.

 

1. Called to Order:

-The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Ross Brown at 7:00 pm

 

2. Adjustment to Agenda:

            -none

 

3. Minutes:

–David Carter made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of April 11, 2022.  Ross Brown seconded.  All in favor.

 

4. Public input:
5. Michele Gammal spoke to the Board about her concerns about the sidewalks in South Hero village. The sidewalks are uneven, covered with sand from winter plowing, and generally in poor shape. She requested that the Selectboard make cleaning and maintaining the sidewalks a priority.  Ross Brown explained that because the sidewalks are within the State’s right-of-way, that it is the State’s responsibility.  However, because the State has not maintained the sidewalks in many years, Ross said he would ask the Town Road Foreman to talk to VTrans.

 

5. New Business:
6. A. Sheriff Allen had requested that the Selectboard formally adopt the temporary reduced speed limit of 25mph through the construction zone at the intersection of RTs 2 and 314. David Carter made a motion to adopt the reduced speed limit. Chuck Hulse seconded. All in favor.
7. B. David Carter made a motion to appoint Jonathan Shaw as Delinquent Tax Collector at the discussed salary. Ross Brown seconded. All in favor.

 

6. Administrative Assistant Report:
7. A. See the written report filed with these minutes (Below on the website or in Town Hall).
8. B. The Board approved and signed 3 mobile vendor license applications: Silo Distillery (Viva Marketplace), The Hive Café (Allenholm), and Charlene’s (Keeler Bay Associates).

 

7. Old and Ongoing Business:
8. Peter Zamore gave the Board an update on the Wastewater Committee. The committee continues organizational work.  They are preparing a survey for residents in the 2 village districts to gather information about Wastewater needs, concerns, and the need for additional wastewater capacity.  The committee’s website is now live on the Town website and the site hosted by Northwest Regional Planning Commission.

-The Committee’s contract with Otter Creek Associates, for $38,790.00, is for the engineering firm to evaluate wastewater needs, identify disposal sites, some system design, and provide a preliminary financial analysis.  David Carter made a motion for Ross Brown to assume the role as liaison for the Town and to sign the contract. Chuck Hulse seconded.  All in favor.

-The Committee is applying for a grant through the State’s Revolving Fund for $48,020.00 for a feasibility study and consulting. If awarded, this will not have to be paid back.  David Carter made a motion to sign the Selectboard to sign the application.  Chuck Hulse seconded.  All in favor.

 

8. Announcements and Communications:
9. There were none.

 

9. Other Business:
10. A. David Carter made a motion to sign order #22/22. Ross Brown seconded. All in favor.
11. B. No update from the Town Clerk or Treasurer.
12. C. Recreation Commission — Chuck Hulse reported that activities are picking up for the summer. The Commission is currently looking for a new Chairperson.
13. Road Dept. Update – The Highway Dept. is purchasing a new skid steer. This will be a multi-use piece of equipment.  Referencing Jerry Robinson’s concerns about the lack of shoulders on Lakeview Rd. expressed at the April 11 Selectboard meeting – Road Foreman John Beaulac said that Lakeview Rd. is one of the oldest roads in Town and needs to be widened by 4 feet.  He suggested that perhaps that could all be on one side to allow for more room for pedestrians.  He will look into it.  The priority this year is Kibbe Point Rd. but maybe this could be planned for next year?
14. ARPA – Their survey went live on April 25 and is available on the Town website and in the Town Office.
15. F. Wastewater Committee updates – see 7.A above.
16. G. 3 Liquor Licenses were signed for Blue Paddle.

 

Mike Donoghue asked to acknowledge Vice-Chair Ross Brown for the 28-minute meeting and commented that this was the shortest Selectboard meeting he had ever attended.

 

 

10. Adjournment:

– Chuck Hulse made a motion to adjourn 7:28 pm; second by Ross Brown.  All in favor.

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted,                                      Approved by,

 

_______________________________                ________________________________

Martha Taylor-Varney (ZA)                               Ross Brown, Vice-Chair

 

Administrative Officer’s Report to Selectboard                                        April 27, 2022

Discussion Items:

1. There are 3 applications for the SB to sign for 2022 Vendors’ licenses. The locations for each of these vendors were reviewed and approved by the DRB last year.
2. The Otter Creek Associates contract signature page and the State Revolving fund application signature page (both for the Wastewater Committee) have been signed by David Carter and are in the folder for the Board’s signatures.
3. There will be a Fair Housing discussion on Friday, April 29 from 12:30 to 1:30. Ross Brown attended a Fair Housing webinar this winter to fulfill a requirement for the Bayview Crossing implementation grant that was awarded last summer. I will also pass this on to the Planning Commission to see if anyone is interested.  Contact me for additional information

Planning Commission

2023 Town Plan discussion — The Commission is reviewing stake-holders discussions from the last several meetings.  Public outreach events are scheduled for June 27 and August 22.  Sandy Gregg, Michele Gammal, and Joan Falcao are finalizing a draft survey for the Commission to review before it is sent out.

VOREC (Vermont Outdoor Recreation) grant – The Commission met with Andy Julow of the Champlain Islands Economic Development Corp. about a grant that was awarded to LCEDC, South Hero Land Trust, NRPC, and Local Motion for planning to develop pedestrian and bicycle routes in South Hero. The grant is for $99,726.  Andy explained that this could benefit businesses as well as provide advantages for residents and students in South Hero. Public feedback will be sought, perhaps at the same public outreach events as the PC’s Town Plan events.

ARPA Committee updates – The ARPA committee survey went live on April 21^st.  There is a link to it on the Town website.

The Planning Commission was notified today that the Downtown Development Board of the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development approved the Town’s applications too renew the Village Center Designations for South Hero and Keeler Bay Villages.  Both villages will be eligible for benefits for the next 8 years, at which time the Town of South ero will need to renew the designations.

Development Review Board

1. The next meeting will be April 27, where the Board will hear the final site plan review for the proposed redevelopment of the Sand Bar Inn site and an amendment to an earlier approved mobile vendor site.
2. DRB Alternate Applicant Ellie Reid of 39 Phelps Lane will attend this week’s meeting to introduce herself to the Board and watch the proceedings. I hope to ask the Selectboard to appoint her to the DRB as an Alternate at the May 9 meeting.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Martha Taylor-Varney, ZA and Asst. to the Selectboard