SOUTH HERO DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD MINUTES January 26, 2022
Members Present some via Zoom: Tim Maxham (Chair), Doug Patterson (Vice Chair), Bill Rowe, Mike Welch (Alternate), Nate Hayward, Liza Kilcoyne, Gareth Hunt and James Brightwell.
Others Present some via Zoom: Martha Taylor Varney (ZA), Sue Arguin (DRB Clerk), Marlene & Dave Booska, Stephen Tetreault, Dean Henry, Kathy Henry, Tricia Breault, Rick & Sylvie Breault, Matt Jensen.
7:00PM – Meeting called to order by Tim Maxham.
Changes to Agenda – There was none.
Public Input – There was none.
First Hearing: Combined Preliminary/Final Review for a 9 lot subdivision @ 129 Ferry Road (Dean & Kathy Henry) -22-33-FR129- Doug Patterson read the official warning. Tim progressed with reopening the hearing from the December 8th, 2021 meeting. Mike Welch recused himself from this hearing. Dean Henry (Land Owner), Stephen Tetreault (Surveyor) spoke in regards to the progress and things that had changed since we last were together back in December. Stephen stated that Lot 1 didn’t change at all but Lots 2, 3,4,& 5 changed a little in size. The wastewater had also changed dramatically. There weren’t any changes that the Board thought were concerned about and this was to make sure all the changes that were necessary did in fact happen. Stephen did say he went down through the checklist that was provided to him and completed all those items. He also said there was someone taking care of the storm water studies and he said he has 4 designated areas for these. Tim wanted to note that all the lots had drilled wells and lots 3,4,5 did not have Rte 314 road frontage but were served with 50 foot ROW. Stephen Tetreault said they would not be using the fire water district due to all the ledge they found saying it was going to be too expensive. Martha Taylor Varneyspoke about Covenants and that we would need to know more about what the plan was.
Tim then opened the meeting to the public and Matt Jensen did step forward to make sure there wouldn’t be any water coming onto his property. He wanted to be sure about keeping the water away from his home near his foundation. Matt also wanted to know more about what the plans are for “buffer zones” between houses and his property which is private right now.
The board left it with them that they wanted these guys to come back with more definite plans. Wanted to firm up on what the storm water plans, covenants, screening plan between lots 3 & 4 and signs. Ended with agreeing to recess this hearing until the February 23rd meeting. Doug Patterson made the motion to recess and Nate Hayward seconded the motion. All in favor.
Second Hearing: Conditional Use/Site Plan review for an Accessory Use-Event Venue (Dave & Marlene Booska) -22-43-Rte 493- Martha Taylor-Varney read the official warning and Dave & Marlene were both sworn in. At that time Marlene requested to have weddings in the backyard of their home on Rte 2. She said the weddings wouldn’t last past 10PM and would take place in the yard or in the barn. Marlene also said there have been tents set up in the backyard with soft music before the weddings. In the back of their property there is plenty of space for parking, they were guessing about 65 cars. She also wanted to say that these events would be catered only and there would be no need to use water because it will either be brought in or bottled. She was thinking there would be perhaps 1 event per weekend and maybe 20 events per year. There is typically music at these venues but the few that they have already had there were no complaints from surrounding neighbors. Marlene said that these venues usually start around 4-5PM (unless weddings that are at 11AM) and end around 10PM. On the side of the property that borders the Gardners is where there is room for more parking. There is a gravel section there. Jim Brightwell wanted to know if there would be a sign placed indicating that there was a wedding there. Marlene said she does put a big white sign at the end of the driveway and there are also reflectors there. Tricia Breault, who is a direct neighbor, did voice her concern about how late the venues would go and did remember an incident with fireworks. She was nervous because at that time her field was long and she was worried about fire. Marlene said she would restrict any more use of fireworks and did understand Tricia’s concern. Tricia also mentioned insurance and whether or not if someone wandered onto her property during one of these venues and something happened she would be covered. Marlene did say that she had talked to her Insurance Company and would call them again to confirm abutting neighbors would be covered also. Martha read a letter from Mr. Matthew Reed that was entered into the record, Gareth Hunt moved and Liza Kilcoyne second. All in favor. The letter stated that Mr. Reed is an abutting neighbor and is in support of these venues. He said that any event that the Booska’s have had at their property have been well done and run responsibly. He wished the Booska’s the best in their endeavors. Tim asked for a motion to accept the waiver for the contours #4. Gareth Hunt motioned and Doug Patterson seconded. All in favor. Further comments from the board were about the music and that it would have to end no later than 10PM and the Booska’s said that the reception music would be in the barn. The board also wanted to confirm that there would be a sign placed showing where to turn off of Rte 2 onto the property. Doug Patterson wanted to know if they had contacted VTRANS and the Booska’s said they would. He also wanted to know if the state had inspected for fire safety purposes. David said that the fire marshall had visited the property and that he recommended that there be exits on both sides of the barn. The fire marshall will have to sign off before anything happens. Doug thought it may be helpful to delineate their parking spaces. The Booska’s said they had been putting signs up everywhere showing where folks to go. Tim then closed the hearing.
Old Business: NONE
Review of Minutes: Liza Kilcoyne moved to accept minutes as written and Nate Hayward second. All in Favor.
Administrator’s Report:
- The February 9th meeting is deliberative only and thought doing it via Zoom would be easier. There are no other applications at this time.
- Doug Patterson submitted his resignation to the Planning Commission effective February 2, 2022. He is staying on the DRB-thank goodness!
- Monday night the selectboard approved the language for 703 the regulations regarding fencing and they also approved an accessibility waiver to the Development Regulations.
- Southherosvoters.org – this group has managed to get enough votes to have 2 articles put on the ballot in March.
Doug Patterson will be resigning from the Planning Commission after the PC’s Feb. 2nd meeting. Tim Maxham asked that the DRB recognize Doug’s expertise and years of commitment to the Commission and this community. Doug will remain a member of the Development Review Board.
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Adjournment: Before adjourning, Tim took a moment to thank Doug Patterson for his time on the Planning Commission. Doug Patterson moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:10PM and Bill Rowe second. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Arguin/DRB Clerk
Signed:______________________________________Date:________________________
These minutes are unofficial until approved at the next regularly scheduled meeting. All motions were unanimous unless otherwise indicated.