SOUTH HERO PLANNING COMMISSION October 6, 2021
Members Present: Doug Patterson (Chair); Sandy Gregg (Vice-Chair); David Roy; Michele Gammal; George Harwood (via Zoom)
Public Present: Bob Fireovid; Tim Maxham; Martha Taylor-Varney (ZA)
6:01 PM – D. Patterson call the meeting to order.
Changes to the Agenda7
There were none.
Public Comment
Tim Maxham reminded the Board that on October 24th, the full 10-digit phone numbers will be required to make calls in Vermont. There will be no more local calls without the 802 prefix.
2023 Town Plan MPG Application
- Gregg has been working on the application for a 2022 Municipal Planning Grant for the required 2023 update to the Town Plan. The Commission discussed a purpose statement for the document, a format change from previous Town Plans (including adding an appendix for date/tables/maps/etc.), and energy and environmental concerns. Public participation will be encouraged through the use of community outreach sessions, including public meetings, a questionnaire placed on Front Porch Forum, direct communication with business owners and patrons, and perhaps a direct mail survey.
The members discussed whether to use NRPC as a consultant or to consider other options but agreed that NRPC knows the community well and would be the best choice. The Plan’s format can mimic others that the Board has reviewed and likes. The members agreed that the Plan’s focus should be the entire town rather than only the village districts.
In response to a question on the application re municipal projects to consider emphasizing in the Plan, the Commission members listed the following as possibilities — pedestrian connection, energy and environment, outdoor recreation and trail opportunities, affordable housing, lake/water quality, municipal infrastructure, and preserving S. Hero’s heritage, including agriculture. It was agreed to include not only goals in the Plan, but that implementation strategies must also be included. Sandy will consult with Greta Brunswick of NRPC on sections that require additional help with verbiage. The application deadline is Oct 31. The Commission will review the application once more at their Oct. 20 meeting.
Weekend in the Islands Update – October 9-10
- Gammal reported that planning continues. There have been radio advertisements, brochures with maps have been distributed, posters posted throughout town, and signs have been placed on RT 2 from the causeway, RT 314 at the S. Hero town line, and on RT 2 from Grand Isle. Several businesses are cooperating with each other for giveaways the weekend of the event. Michele said that plans are already underway for next year when it will expand to include Grand Isle.
Discuss/Clarify Fence Definition – Sec. 703
The Zoning Administrator asked the PC to clarify if regulations related to fences only apply to fences over 6 feet in height. Those Regulations include placing fencing on a boundary line or within a road right-of-way, the side of a fence that must face away from the neighboring property, what construction materials are allowed, and fences that could impair the use of renewable energy on neighboring properties. The Commission members agreed that the Regulations apply only to fences over 6 feet in height.
Meeting Minutes
- Gregg moved to approve the minutes of September 15, 2021, as amended; D. Roy second. All in favor.
Administrator’s Report
- The Amendments to the 2020 Development Regulations became effective on Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021.
- The S. Hero Wastewater Committee will have its organizational meeting on Monday, Oct. 18 at 4:30 at the Town Office. Committee members are Ross Brown, George Harwood, Peter Zamore, and Bob Buermann. Greta Brunswick of NRPC will also participate. Martha will prepare and post an agenda. The meeting will also be available to attend via Zoom. The first meeting will include choosing a Chair and a Clerk.
- David Carter has asked to be on the PC’s Oct. 20 agenda to discuss ARPA funds options.
- The Selectboard agreed to schedule a November 29 fifth-Monday meeting with the PC and DRB.
- The 2015 South Hero Town Plan has been put on the Town website. It can be found on the Planning Commission page.
Adjournment
- Gregg moved to adjourn; M. Gammal 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.