SOUTH HERO PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES October 20, 2021
Members Present: Sandy Gregg (Vice-Chair); David Roy; George Harwood; Michele Gammal
Member Absent: Doug Patterson (Chair)
Public Present: David Carter (SB Chair); Ross Brown (SB Vice -Chair); Tim Maxham; Martha Taylor-Varney (ZA)
6:00PM – S. Gregg called the meeting to order.
NRPC Webinar: NRPC Presents ARPA 2.0 for Local Officials
The Board and visiting public viewed the webinar from 6 to 7:30PM. The webinar will be available from NRPC to watch again for those unable to attend on Oct. 20.
David Carter asked the Planning Commission if it would spearhead efforts to gather public input for ideas on where to allocate American Rescue Plan funds in South Hero. The Town will receive a total of $493,000 (half already received; the balance in August 2022). David stressed the need for community input. Ideas could include trails, the Old Meeting House, a public park/outdoor recreation, town hall/town employee salaries, EMT salary, Weekend in the Islands, a weed harvester, childcare, sidewalk connectivity, broadband. Is Fire District #4 eligible? No, but the infrastructure bill from Congress may provide funding. Ross Brown said this is a once in a generation opportunity for South Hero. S. Gregg was concerned about the PC taking the reins for public outreach because they already have a commitment with the 2023 Town Plan update. That will also need outreach. David Carter suggested initiating public meetings for ARPA funds and the Town Plan together. David Carter said to go ahead and have a webpage created dedicated to ARPA funds. S. Gregg suggested SH follow the Jericho webpage as it was cited in the webinar as exceptional.
Changes to the Agenda
There were none.
Public Comment
There was none.
2023 Town Plan – Complete MPG Application
- S. Gregg updated the Commission members on the application. A website feature will be been added, for survey results and questions. The budget will be raised $1000 – asking for $16,000. The Town match will be $1585. The foundation will be public outreach, including other groups to take part (Land Trust, CIDER, Rec Commission, Community Health Center). The South Hero Land Trust, CIDER, and the Recreation Commission will be asked to write letter of support for the grant application. Sandy told the Commission that the application will be submitted prior to the October 31st deadline.
Wastewater Committee Update
- Harwood reported that the committee had its first meeting on October 18. Committee members are Peter Zamore (Chairman); George Harwood (Clerk), Ross Brown, and Bob Buermann, with technical assistance from Greta Brunswick of NRPC. Geroge remarked that the committee needs more women and more diversity. NRPC will assist in putting together a survey. The Committee will meet again on Monday, November 1 at 4:30.
Weekend in the Islands Update
- Gammal reported that the weekend (October 9-10) was a success. Grand Isle would like to take part next year. Registration for next year has already begun. Many businesses reported an increase in business over the same time last year. Michele especially thanked Randy Smith for his work on planning for the weekend. Other committee members included Mike Gammal and Andrew Julow of the Champlain Islands Economic Development Corporation.
Meeting Minutes
- Roy moved to approve the minutes of the Oct. 6, 2021 meeting; G. Harwood second. All I favor.
Administrator’s Report
- ZA Martha Taylor-Varney asked the Commission to clarify the regulations re. Fences (Sec 703). It was decided to put it on the agenda for the November 3, 2021 meeting.
- There will be a 5th Monday meeting on November 29, 2021 with the Selectboard, DRB, and Planning Commission. It will be a special SB meeting. Martha will confirm whether the meeting will be at 6 or 7PM.
- The November schedule for the PC will be the 3rd and 17th, at 6PM. The agenda for the 17th will include a discussion on adding an accessibility waiver to the Development Regulations.
Adjournment
8:01PM – D. Roy moved to adjourn; G. Harwood 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.