SOUTH HERO PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES November 6, 2019
Members Present: D. Patterson (Chair); M. Gammal; B. Kerr; S. Gregg (Vice-Chair)
Member Absent: D. Roy
Public Present: Tim Maxham; Steven Robinson; Jeff Parizo; Bill and Judy Rowe; Pete Bartellow; Denis Gravelin; Todd Kelley; Cynthia Kelley; Howard Demars; Rod Sherman; Guy Maguire; David Hobbs; Mike Gammal; Amanda Holland (NRPC); Karen Bates (DEC – Watershed Management: Basin Planner); Martha Taylor-Varney, ZA
7:03 PM – D. Patterson called the meeting to order.
Changes to the Agenda
There were none.
Public Input
David Hobbs updated the Commission members on the Rec Committee’s progress obtaining easements for trails across the Lavin property from Folsum School to the Worthen Library. The Committee is working on applications for grants to build the system and discussing with VTrans options for crossing RT 2.
Public Meeting – Lake Champlain Tactical Basin Study
The South Hero Planning Commission hosted the public meeting presenting the Northern Lake Champlain Tactical Basin Study. Karen Bates, Dept. of Environmental Conservation Basin Planner, presented the study to the public and the Commission.
This particular plan is for developing a plan for South Hero, Grand Isle, and North Hero to protect and/or restore the water quality of this basin. The process includes monitoring/testing water, accessing the results, planning for remediation and protection, public outreach, and implementation. Sectors include agriculture, roads, stormwater, forestry, and rivers. The full study can be found at (copy/paste if link won’t open): http://dec.vermont.gov/sites/dec/files/wsm/public-notices/mapp/mp_TacticalBasinPlan_Basin5_NothernLakeChamplainDirectDrainages_DRAFT.pdf
Edits to Form-Base Code in Proposed Regulations
The Commission edited copy to delete figures that appeared to show styles of architecture that would be required. References to ‘historic’ character of the villages were deleted. There was discussion with Jeff Sikora about earlier traffic studies that recommended street designs that would slow traffic and allow for more walkability. Discussion included ‘village’ vs. ‘highway’ design. There were additional changes to window placement and details. The Commission members chose to delete a drawing that showed how to calculate window coverage and instead include only a formula.
Meeting Minutes
- Gammal moved to approve the minutes from October 16, 2019; B. Kerr second. All in favor.
New/Old Business – Report from those who attended the 10/25 ANR seminar in Montpelier
- Gammal attended 4 session: solid waste; water quality; river corridors; emerald ash borer.
- Kerr attended the full-day session on VT Ecology and Environment. Sessions included climate change, losing forests to fragmentation, Community capital and planning. She suggested including ideas covered when updating the next Town Plan in 2023.
The Commission recommended that it become procedure that all meetings conclude by 9PM.
Administrator’s Report
- Martha attended the VLCT Fall Planning and Zoning Forum on Oct. 23rd.
- Local FEMA maps are being updated for the first time since 1978. Martha is completing a FEMA RiskMAP survey, due Dec. 13, to help in the production of new fully digital maps. This is a 5-year process, estimated to be completed in 2024.
- NRPC will be hosting a Community Engagement Workshop at Northwest Vermont Medical Center on Thursday, Nov. 21 from 6 to 8.
9:13PM – S. Gregg moved to adjourn; M. Gammal second. Al 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.