SOUTH HERO PLANNING COMMISSION June 3, 2020
Members Present: Doug Patterson (Chair); Sandy Gregg (Vice-Chair); David Roy; Bridget Kerr; Michele Gammal.
Public Present: Tim Maxham; Martha Taylor-Varney, ZA
6:00PM – Doug Patterson called the meeting to order.
Changes to the Agenda
There were none.
Public Input
There was none.
Discuss Ordinance Priorities
The Commission again discussed including “hot topics” periodically on their agenda to get input or comments from the public on ordinance recommendations. The first, for a junk ordinance, is tentatively planned for July 1st and will be included in the South Hero Town News section of the Islander in the June 24th issue. The Commission agreed that these meetings will need to be held via Zoom. Other future ordinances to consider include a food truck ordinance.
Meeting Minutes
Sandy Gregg moved to accept the minutes from May 20, 2020; Bridget Kerr second. All in favor.
New/Old Business
- The zoning Administrator presented a draft copy of a zoning application for a variance. The Commission approved the draft after a couple of minor edits.
- There was discussion on whether the definition of “Industrial” in the recently updated Regulations is too broad and needs to be further clarified – whether to define a “low-impact industry” as separate from large industry – and whether to allow it could be allowed in the Village Zoning Districts with conditional use and site plan review (currently, “industrial” is not allowed at all in the village districts). The members will discuss further at their next meeting.
- There was discussion about whether it is appropriate for the Planning Commission to discuss specifics related to an upcoming DRB hearing. It was decided the discussion was warranted to clarify the definition of “industrial.” Per Section 204.B.3 of the Development Regulations, PC members Sandy Gregg, Michele Gammal, and David Roy will attend the DRB’s June 10th hearing to submit an opinion on whether an application meets an allowed use in Table 2.1.
- Sandy Gregg took part in a webinar “Streets for Success” presented by VLCT, about reopening downtowns after COVID. The webinar centered on underused spaces and how to use them for social interaction. Recommendations included – parklets with picnic tables, public spaces with benches, donated park benches, and the redesign of outside spaces for businesses. Sandy explained that a “sense of space and community” is up to the town leader, and the “rebalance of roads” contributed to traffic calming.
Administrator’s Report
The next meeting will be on June 17 at the Town Office. Members will meet outside if weather permits (masks and social distancing still apply).
Adjournment
Sandy Gregg moved to adjourn; Michele Gammal second. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha Taylor-Varney, ZA
Signed:_____________________________________ Date: ________________________
For the Planning Commission
These minutes are unofficial until the next regularly scheduled meeting. All motions were unanimous unless otherwise indicated.