SOUTH HERO PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES September 16, 2026
Members Present: Don Bedard (Chair), Joan Falcao (Vice-Chair, via Zoom); Michele Gammal (via Zoom); Marian Fritz.
Others Present: Martha Taylor-Varney, ZA
6:02PM – D. Bedard called the meeting to order.
Changes to the Agenda
None.
Public Comment:
No public present.
Old Business
- Review draft Figure 2.1 (Measuring Height) – Bedard gave the members 3 proposed drawings depicting a home on a slope, showing the highest and lowest points related to the steepness of the slope and the corner elevations. M. Gammal asked that the members have a chance to review this for the next meeting and email Don with feedback. No decision needs to be made tonight. Also, should the same structure be used for Figure 2.2 (Measuring Setbacks)?
- Review Remaining Edits to the Development Regulations – The setback definition on page 113 needs to be corrected to the definition that was approved previously by the Commission. Under “As Built Certification” in Article 10 (Definitions), add ‘Architect’ to Engineer and Surveyor.
Martha passed out copies of the ‘Municipal Bylaw Approval: Procedural Checklist’, a guidance document for the approval of development regulations, including public meetings/hearings, when to warn in the paper, who must be notified, etc. The Commission agreed to wait until the new year before starting the process, after the holidays and when we are in the new office and community room.
Approve Meeting Minutes of regular PC Meeting August 5, 2026
M. Fritz moved to approve the minutes of August 5, 2026; M. Gammal second. All in favor.
Administrator’s Report
- The Commission upcoming schedule will be impacted by the proposed move into the new Town Office building. The October 7 meeting should be okay to be held in the current building. The October 21st meeting may have to be moved elsewhere. The Commission agreed that the November 4 meeting can be canceled. Meetings after that time can be held in the new office. Michele will be away for the November 18 meeting. Martha will be out of town Dec. 10-21.
- Martha attended the Vermont League of Cities and Towns’ Fall Planning and Zoning Forum on Montpelier earlier in the day. Discussion included Vermont’s Statewide Conservation Law (Act 59), Implementing Act 181in Rutland County, and Looking Ahead at the 2027 Legislative Session. Martha has the Power Point presentations for each and will forward them to the PC members. If anyone else is interested, contact her.
Announcements
Meeting House – the building is back on its foundation.
Town Office – The Town Office will be closed the week of November 9 for the move to the new building.
Lavin Property Planning Committee – J. Falcao told the Commission that Peter Zamore recommended to the Selectboard at their September 14 meeting that the wastewater on the Lavin property be “primarily” restricted to development on that property, with some left over for unknown contingencies. D. Bedard said that the committee is currently in the ‘discovery phase’ and that it will be up to the Selectboard as to what will eventually be there. Current information and meeting minutes are on the Lavin Steering Committee webpage on the Town’s website.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 6PM at the Town Office.
Adjournment
M. Gammal 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 approved at the next regularly scheduled meeting. All motions were unanimous unless otherwise indicated.