SOUTH HERO PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES May 21, 2025
Members Present: David Roy (Chair); Don Bedard (Vice-Chair); Michele Gammal; Joan Falcao; Brooke Scott.
Others Attending: Martha Taylor-Varney (ZA)
D. Roy called the meeting to order at 6:02PM.
Changes to the Agenda
Add a brief report from Joan on the Featherbed Lane/RT 2 scoping study as item 4C.
Public Comment
No public attended.
Continue Discussion on Act 181
D. Roy and J. Falcao met with the Selectboard to discuss Act 181. The Board had questions for Northwest Regional Planning to answer. Dave has left a message with Catherine Dimitruk. The questions include: Will they add more to the maps they presented? Can the Selectboard influence the map? Who has final approval? Can the Selectboard expand the area on the maps? Will there be changes required to the Development Regulations? What stage of completion of any development is required before the interim maps expire? M. Gammal asked if the Planning Commission members still agree to recommend that the Selectboard approve maps create by NRPC for Act 181 compliance? Yes.
Old Business
Continue discussion on Average Natural Grade/Pre-Construction Elevation
B. Scott asked how the original grade can be determined if the grade was changed years before. J. Falcao suggested that applicants use the best of their knowledge on the previous elevation. The Commission decided to table the discussion to the next meeting.
Continue discussion on South St./Lavin property multi-modal path
M. Gammal will invite Selectboard member Steve Robinson to the next meeting.
J. Falcao attended an online kickoff meeting about the scoping study at the Featherbed Lane/Apple Island/Fish and Wildlife/Marina/Boat Launch area of RT 2. Emily Krofft of NRPC is the point person on this. Joan and M. Gammal plan to tour the area before the next meeting.
Approve Minutes from regular PC meeting on May 7, 2025
J. Falcao moved to accept the minutes of May 7, 2025, with changes; B. Scott second. All in favor.
Administrator’s Report
- There is a Hazard Mitigation Meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 22 at 11AM.
- Webinar “Are You Ready for Your Next Disaster?” on June 10 from 1 to 2:30. Martha is registered. If there is anyone who’d like to attend, I can put it on the TV in the boardroom.
- VLCT’s Spring Planning and Zoning Conference will be hybrid this time. The date is May 28th from 9 to noon.
Announcements
- Meeting House – no report
- New Town Office – no report
- Falcao attended an online kickoff meeting about the VTrans scoping study at the Featherbed Lane/Apple Island/Fish and Wildlife/Marina/Boat Launch area of RT 2. Also attending were Selectboard member Anne Zolotas and Town Administrator Sue Arguin. There are concerns about safety on this section of RT 2 due to heavier traffic, the intersection, new and existing businesses, Apple Island Resort, and 2 marinas within a very confined area. VTrans wants locals involved in the planning. M. Gammal asked who would be paying for the improvements – South Hero or the State? M. Gammal and J. Falcao will walk around the area with Anne Zolotas prior to the next meeting. Should they include someone from Featherbed Lane? Yes.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will be June 4, 2025 at 6PM at the Town Office. Vice-Chair D. Bedard will miss the June 2 meeting. Chair D. Roy will miss the June 18 meeting. The Board has canceled the July 2nd meeting due to the July 4 holiday.
Adjournment
7:06PM – D. Bedard moved to adjourn; J. Falcao 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.