SOUTH HERO PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 4, 2025
Members Present: David Roy (Chair), Michele Gammal, Joan Falcao, Brooke Scott
Member absent: Don Bedard
Public Present: Steve Robinson (S. Hero Selectboard); Martha Taylor-Varney (ZA)
6:01PM – D. Roy opened the meeting.
Changes to the Agenda
There were none.
Public Input
No public input.
Old Business
- Discussion of multi-modal path on Lavin property — Selectboard member Steve Robinson attended the meeting to discuss how trails/paths could be created on the Town’s newly acquired Lavin property. He has been working on a trail system on his farm and told the Commission members that the review/approval process is ponderous. There are a lot of hoops to jump through, including wetland delineations, etc. He recommended that any proposed paths need public interest and support. You need to get people on the trails. Questions included – Is there any liability to the Town for public access to trails on Town property? What recommendations for wet areas? Boardwalks? Should paths be closed when they’re wet? Can paths be connected to the school and to other existing trails (East Shore Rd., Round Pond)? Since the Lavin parcel is now Town owned, it will be open for public access. Steve suggested planning public events – skiing, bird watching, plant ID, hiking, etc.) to encourage public use. Create paths initially by brush hogging. No permits are needed if there is not an impervious surface. Once pervious surface is proposed (paving/gravel/etc.) DEC permits will be required.
- Average Natural Grade; Pre-Construction Grade – move to next meeting’s agenda.
Approve May 21, 2025 Minutes
M. Gammal moved to approve the minutes of May 21, 2025; B. Scott second. All in favor.
Administrator’s Report
- Webinar on June 10 – Are You Ready for Your Next Disaster?
- Webinar on June 11 – Land Use Review Board
- The Zoning office will be closed from July 25, 2025 through July 2, 2025.
- A new Vermont Zoning Administrator’s Handbook has been published. This is the first update since 2005. The new handbook includes sections on the HOME Act and Act 181.
Announcements
Meeting House – no update
New Town Office – AES has been conducting a new survey of the property.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will be on June 18, 2025, at 6PM at the Town Office. There will be no meeting on July 2.
Adjournment
6:33PM – J. Falcao moved to adjourn; B. Scott 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.