HINESBURG PLANNING COMMISSION

Minutes of July 11, 2000

APPROVED August 16, 2000

Present: Ted Bloomhardt, Roger Kohn, Carrie Fenn, John Mace, Jean Isham, George Bedard, and Fred Haulenbeek.

Members Absent: Missy Ross, and Faith Ingulsrud, Town Planner

Members of the Audience: Bill Anthony, Bob and Pat Peek, Wayne Bissonette, Malcolm Willard, Barry and Jackie Washburne, Jim Murray, David Lyman, Raymond Ayer, Lynn and Marie Gardner, Josh and Leah Flore, Al Barber, Steve Aube, Jim Roberge and Tom Boiuin

1. Barry and Jacqueline Washburne - Final Plat Review and Site Plan Revision. Ted Bloomhardt opened the meeting with discussion of the boundary line changes between Lot #14 in Commerce Park and the Post Office lot. Malcolm Willard explained that the new lot line through the shared parking lot will be divided down the middle with either owner allowed to use the whole parking lot. The new lot line will clear up any problems with set backs; all of the Post Office facility will be on one lot; and, the boundary line adjustment will still allow enough land for Lot #14. There will be shared entry way (which is covered in the deed language). John Mace asked if there should be a note on the plat about the shared parking lot. George Bedard answered that since the easement is covered as part of the deed, it wasn’t necessary to note it on the plat.

With no further discussion, Ted Bloomhardt made the following motion (see attachedt). It was seconded by Carrie Fenn and unanimously approved by all those present.

The other item for the Washburnes was the site plan revision for Lot #14. Mr. Willard explained that after thorough investigation, they are proceeding with the project on Lot #14 with the understanding that there are not wetland issues on the property. The Washburnes had hired a wetlands consultant who determined that there are wetland soils on the lot. The Army Corp of Engineers concluded that the wetlands were not of significant value. In order to apply for relief, the project for Lot #14 had to demonstrate as little impact as possible to wetlands. The wetland soils were not be disturbed and stormwater flows were not to increase. Mr. Willard added that the lot has been a mowed field for 100 years. There are upland plants growing in the wetlands. It’s defined as a “wet meadow”. Mr. Willard also explained that the stormwater permit for the entire Commerce Park was in the process of being reactivated. They should know the results in ten days to two weeks.

Because of the wetlands issues, the old post office building has been relocated to minimum set back and the loading dock was removed because it was near wetland soils.

Mr. Willard has also reviewed the culvert situation with Public Works Director, Rocky Martin. They are willing to change plans from an 18 inch culvert to a 15 inch culvert depending on whatever Rocky Martin prefers. The Washburnes would like the larger culvert size because there would be less silt filling up, and less snow and ice build up in the winter.

Landscaping on Lot #14 was also discussed. Mr. Willard said they cannot plant trees in the wetland area and since the loading dock is no longer an issue, the trees that were to be planted around it are no longer necessary. Tree locations were discussed and it was decided that in addition to the proposed landscaping, two more shade trees would be planted along the parking lot.

Ted Bloomhardt moved to revise the approved motion of June 7, 2000 as follows at the end of these minutes. John Mace seconded, and it was unanimously approved by all those present.

2. Bill Anthony - Final Plat Review. Mr. Anthony came before the Planning Commission to seek approval to move the boundary line for Lot #2 of a previously approved subdivision off of Sunset Lane West. Before discussions began, Ted Bloomhardt opened the public hearing for the final plat review. Mr. Anthony explained that the builder had to move the building site location because of ledge. The builder picked a new location for the building site based on markers from an informal lot demarcation made by Mr. Anthony. A survey performed before sale of the lot revealed the problem.

Mr. Anthony explained that the other lots will still have more than 3 acres after the boundary line adjustment. The setbacks from the septic and the well are okay. With no further discussion, Ted closed the public hearing and made the following motion (see attached). Jean Isham seconded, and it was unanimously approved with the exception of George Bedard who abstained from the vote.

3. Howard Riggs - Combined Preliminary and Final Plat Review. Ted Bloomhardt opened the public hearing concerning the Riggs commercial lot. John Mace moved to continue to the August 2^nd meeting. Carrie Fenn seconded, and it was unanimously approved.

4. Wayne and Barbara Bissonette - Preliminary Plan Review. (George Bedard recused himself from discussion) Mr. Bissonette displayed a colored map of the proposed 5 lot subdivision located on the west side of Gilman Road. He described the power poles and underground power lines, as well as the separate septic for Lot #2, the shared septic for Lots #1 and #4, and the shared septic for Lots #3 and #5. He is reserving a septic area for the brick house across the street. Mr. Bissonette also pointed out the two possible sites for the driveway for Lot #1.

Mr. Bissonette showed a second map of a “concept plan” which detailed all the contiguous land he owns. Land that had been sold and developed was indicated by color highlights.

Soil test results from Ridge Consulting Engineers for the subdivision were distributed to Planning Commission members.

The radius of the proposed cul de sac was discussed. John Mace asked Al Barber if the radius was okay for emergency vehicles. Jean Isham wondered about the hammerhead drive that was initially in the plan. Mr. Bissonette said there was not much of rise in the driveways and that he has a roadcut permit for the driveway locations. Only the roadcut for Lot #5 will need a culvert. The other lots will not. Drainage will go back to the interior culvert on Lot #1, not towards the road. Details of the easements for septic will be at the final plat review.

With no further questions, Ted Bloomhardt made the following motion:

The Hinesburg Planning Commission hereby grants preliminary plat approval to Wayne and Barbara Bissonette for a five-lot single family residential subdivision from a 14+ acre parcel located off of Gilman Road. The subdivision shall be as shown on a map titled “Site Plan - Property Survey for Wayne R. and Barbara B. Bissonette” and dated June 28, 2000, and is subject to the following conditions:

1. The applicant shall provide all the documentation required for Final Plat review as stated in Section 5.2 of the Subdivision Regulations.

1. The grading of the side slopes and roadway serving Lots 1-4 and the culvert for the driveway to Lot 5 shall be shown on the final plat submission.

2. Details of the septic easements and shared roadway deed language shall be provided for final plat review.

3. Drainage plan details shall be shown on the final plat submission.

John Mace seconded, and it was unanimously approved with the exception of George Bedard abstaining.

5. Raymond and Ruth Ayer - Sketch Plan Review. (Roger Kohn joined the meeting at this time). The Ayers are proposing a 4 lot residential subdivision on a 15 acre parcel located on the east side of Route 116 next to Clifford Lumber and the Paul Casey property. Mr. Ayer explained that there would be three 3-acre lots and a 5.3 acre lot. Each lot would have its own well and conventional septic. There would be underground power and a common access road.

The proximity to the Industrial I District along the southern border of the subdivision was discussed at length. A major concern was how to isolate the houses on the subdivision from the industrial (sawmill operation) activity. Mr. Ayer indicated that the house sites were located roughly where the writing is on the sketch plan, and that the house sites would be set 100 feet from the border line of the industrial zone. Fred Haulenbeek wondered if the Gardner’s could develop further and turn their house into a commercial site. Marie Gardner said their house was zoned for Industrial, so in the future someone might buy it and change it’s use. It was agreed that at the preliminary review the Gardner’s house and well would be on the plan.

The 50 foot “no mow” zone was discussed at length. Mr. Ayer was strongly opposed to it. He felt that the home owners should be able to mow all the way to the border line if they so desired. Jean Isham stressed the importance of minimizing future conflicts between industrial and residential areas. Ted felt a no mow zone may make the houses more sellable. Jean added that the buffer would impact all four lots, not just the lots bordering Clifford Lumber. The Gardners felt that a no mow zone would be to the advantage of the home owners. Sawmill work is an outside, noisy operation with heavy equipment and big trucks coming and going. Trees would filter out the noise and dust.

John Mace wondered if it was possible to have the buyers sign an agreement that they would never complain to the Town about the sawmill. Roger Kohn asked if there were alternatives to scrub brush. He confirmed the issue being discussed was if there should be no mow zone, or if the home owners could

deal with it as they wished. Roger felt that there would be conflict if people are allowed to mow right up the border line. Ted added that the buyers should definitely be notified that they border an industrial zone. Ted also noted that the agenda tonight is a sketch review, so no final decision has to be made. It was understood that Mr. Ayer was opposed to a no mow zone. The Gardners want the 50 foot no mow zone and they want language that the buyers know they are next to a heavy industrial district with an outside operation with heavy, big equipment. Roger reminded Mr. Ayer that when he comes back for preliminary review he can propose alternatives to the no mow zone.

Ted reviewed other issues concerning the project. The house sites will be shown on the preliminary review. The project is in an open/meadow area and the access seems okay.

Ted then made the following motion:

The Hinesburg Planning Commission hereby grants sketch plan approval to Raymond and Ruth Ayer for a four-lot single family residential subdivision from a 15 acre parcel located off of Route 116. The subdivision shall be as shown on a map titled “Sketch Plan - Raymond & Ruth Ayer Property” and dated June 22, 2000, and is subject to the following conditions:

1. The applicant shall meet all the preliminary plat application submission requirements for major subdivisions listed in Section 5.1 of the Subdivision Regulations.

2. The applicant shall show any proposed mitigation measures along the south boundary of the subdivision to provide isolation from the adjacent industrial zone on the preliminary plat.

3. Building envelopes shall be shown on the preliminary plat submission.

Fred Haulenbeek seconded, and it was unanimously approved with exception of George Bedard who abstained from the vote.

6. Fire Station - Site Plan Review. The Hinesburg Fire Department is seeking approval for an addition to the back of the existing fire house for an enlarged meeting and training room, handicap restrooms and to create two new offices. Facade improvements are also proposed. Al Barber explained that they received a variance for the 9 foot setback (the required setback is 15 feet). Mr. Barber said that Rocky Martin had no issues with building on top of the sewer main. George explained the history behind the funny looking lot lines in the area. It was part of the original town division which was diagonal to Route 116. Mr. Barber said they were not planning any extra parking spaces at this time. But that they do want to purchase land from David Lyman to be used as future parking spaces. It was acknowledged that this could not happen until Mr. Lyman’s property is re-zoned. Ted asked if there would be a new main entrance for the training room. Mr. Barber explained that the main entrance would still be in the front of the building.

Landscaping was discussed. Trees are a safety issue because of visibility and the power and sewer lines on the property. Lea Flore, who lives in the neighboring house, asked about snow removal. Snow has been pushed on to her property. If the Flores put up a fence, where would the fire department put the snow. It was agreed that this was a problem. Mrs. Flore also expressed concern about a future parking lot. It would be nice to have some trees planted for privacy. Small trees could be planted now, so that when a parking lot is built, the trees will have matured. Josh Flore added that trees planted in back of the fire station would be an asset for his property, but that asking the fire department to plant trees in the front is unrealistic given the safety issues of pulling out on to Route 116.

There will be no new lighting except on the south side door for access. The fire department is also hoping to replace the current lighting fixtures, possibly with motion sensor lighting.

With no further discussion, Ted Bloomhardt made the following motion which was amended to include more planting of trees along the common boundary with the Flore’s:

The Hinesburg Planning Commission hereby grants site plan approval to the Hinesburg Fire Department for a 1,440 sq. ft. expansion on the west side of the existing fire house located on Route 116 in the Village. The site plan shall be as proposed by the applicant and as shown on a plan entitled “Site Plan, Town of Hinesburg Property, Fire Station Parcel” and dated July 4, 2000, except as set forth herein. This approval is subject to the following conditions:

1. If experience indicates inadequate parking or unsafe traffic flow, the applicant shall immediately present proposed modifications of the site plan to the Hinesburg Planning Commission, and obtain approval of it.

2. Any new exterior lighting by the doors on the south side shall be installed or shielded in such a manner as to conceal light sources and reflector/refractor areas from view from points beyond the lot.

3. The applicant shall obtain a zoning permit from the zoning administrator prior to construction.

4. Before any future expansion of the building or change in use is approved, the applicant shall present a master plan of the site showing proposed parking, circulation and landscaping that conforms with future plans for traffic and pedestrian improvements on Route 116.

5. The applicant shall work with the property owners to the north to install additional shade trees along the common boundary

6. At least two shade trees shall be planted to the south of the walkway on the south side of the new addition.

7. This approval will expire within one year of this approval date unless a zoning permit is obtained.

Jean Isham seconded the first motion and re-seconded the amended motion. It was unanimously approved with the exception of George Bedard who abstained from the vote.

The meeting adjourned at 10:30.

The Hinesburg Planning Commission hereby grants final plat approval to Bill Anthony for re-subdivision to change the boundary of Lot #2, an existing lot with access from Sunset Lane West that was previously approved on February 14, 1988. The change in the boundary will affect Lot #3 and Parcel A, existing lots owned by the applicant with access from Anthony Road. The subdivision shall be as shown on the Plat titled “Revision to Lot 2, Lot 3 and Parcel A, Survey of William A. and Mary D. Anthony Property” dated June 12, 1987, last revised 6/28/00, and shall be subject to the following conditions:

8. The mylar of this subdivision and a copy of the conditions of approval shall be recorded in the Hinesburg Land Records within 90 days of this approval.

9. No further subdivision of this property shall occur without review and approval of the Hinesburg Planning Commission.

The Hinesburg Planning Commission hereby grants final plat approval to Barry and Jacqueline Washburne for re-subdivision to change the boundary between the Hinesburg Post Office property and Lot #14 of Commerce Park , creating a 1.095 acre lot for the Post Office and reducing the size of Lot #14 to 0.685 acres, a 0.155 acre change. Both lots are owned by the applicants. This approval also includes Development on a Private Right-of-way approval for the shared driveway and parking lot that will be straddled by the new lot line. The subdivision shall be as shown on the Plat titled “Boundary Line Adjustment - Hinesburg Post Office” dated June 19, 2000 and shall be subject to the following conditions:

1. The reciprocal parking easement language as submitted is approved.

2. The mylar of this re-subdivision and a copy of the conditions of approval shall be recorded in the Hinesburg Land Records within 90 days of this approval.

3. No further subdivision of these properties shall occur without review and approval of the Hinesburg Planning Commission.

The Hinesburg Planning Commission hereby grants final plat approval to Barry and Jacqueline Washburne for revisions to the site plan approved on June 7, 2000 for a building on Lot 14 of Commerce Park, including changes to the building location and the drainage system. The site plan shall be as shown on a site plan titled “Proposed Improvements: Hinesburg Commercial Park Lot 14 and the Hinesburg Post Office” dated March 29, 2000, last revised July 6, 2000, and shall be subject to the following conditions:

1. All conditions of the June 7, 2000 site plan approval shall continue to apply except as follows:

1. Sub-conditions 1a dealing with changes to the site plan and condition 2 dealing with deed language for the shared parking lot have been satisfied.

2. Condition 1b shall be replaced with the following and shown on the revised site plan: The three existing street trees to be relocated, shall be located at the corners of the building as shown on the plan. Two salt tolerant trees, in addition to the two shown on the plan, shall be added to the northwest side of the parking lot.

3. Condition 1b shall be replaced with the following and shown on the revised site plan: A fence similar to the previous fence around the HVAC and fuel tank shall be installed.

4. The 50' culvert along Commerce Street elevation and siting shall be reviewed and approved by the Hinesburg Public Works Director.

2. Before a Zoning Permit is issued for the building on Lot #14, evidence that all pertinent State and Federal permits have been obtained shall be submitted to the Zoning Administrator.