TOWN OF HINESBURG

PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES

 

September 18, 2002

Approved on October 2, 2002

 

Commission Members Present:  Jean Isham (Chairperson), George Bedard, John Mace, John Buckingham, Joe Iadanza, Fred Haulenbeek, Nancy Norris

 

Commission Members Absent:  Will Patten, Carrie Fenn

 

Also Present:  Alex Weinhagen (Town Planner), Marv Greenberg, Julie Monter

 

The meeting began at approximately 7:30pm.

 

Veterinary Clinic Presentation:

Marv Greenberg and Julie Monter were present to explain their plans to move and expand the Animal Hospital of Hinesburg from next to Lantman’s IGA to Commerce Park.  Marv said the proposed new facility would be between 3000-4000 square feet, possibly with a 2nd floor for storage since no basement is possible.  They are looking at a 0.9 acre lot in Commerce Park next to the art building.  They would like to move because they need more space.  They would like to stay in the Town Center, and feel that the Commerce Park location would be better for traffic flow.

 

They need more animal housing units of a variety of sizes, and they would like to have enough room and enough cages to better separate cats from dogs.  They currently have:  3 large enclosures (also called runs) for large dogs; 4 large cages; 1 large intensive care unit cage; 7-8 small cages suitable for small dogs and cats.  In the new facility they want 8-10 large enclosures/run, double the number of other cages, and a fenced outside area where dogs can be walked for urination and defecation.  They would also like to be able to board small numbers of healthy animals for existing clients.  In their current location, they board cats but not dogs.  Additionally, they would like to be able to offer animal grooming in the future.

 

They have discussed this with Peter Erb (Zoning Administrator), and Peter noted that the Zoning Bylaws expressly allows kennels only in Industrial District I (as a conditional use).  After researching the matter, Peter feels that the veterinary clinic could only board animals in the Industrial District I.  Marv explained that they have come to the Planning Commission to see if this could be addressed in a revision of the Zoning Bylaws.

 

Jean Isham asked what would be the maximum number of healthy animals boarded at any one time.  Julie indicated it would be between 4-8 animals.

 

Marv indicated that all animals (healthy or recovering) would be kept within the building, and that the new construction would allow them to soundproof the building better than their current facility.  Marv also indicated that animal solid waste generated inside and outside the building would be disposed of properly (landfill) and would not enter the sewer system.

 

Some Commissioners felt the proposed project is in keeping with the existing regulations for a veterinary office.  Some Commissioners felt the boarding issue did make the facility like a kennel.  John Mace said he wanted Dr. Greenberg and Dr. Monter to leave the meeting feeling positive.

 

Alex Weinhagen will follow up with Peter Erb and Holly Russell to get the proposed veterinary clinic on the DRB’s agenda for a consultation.  The Commission will add clarification of veterinary clinics versus kennels to the list of proposed regulation housekeeping changes.

 

Minutes of the August 7 and September 4, 2002 Meetings:

George MOVED to approve minutes for both the August 7 and September 4, 2002 meetings.  Fred SECONDED the motion.  The motion PASSED 7-0.

 

Discussion of Potential Forest Conservation Overlay District:

Fred went through a copy of the existing Subdivision Regulations, and highlighted sections that addressed some of the issues the Commission hoped the proposed forest conservation overlay district would address.  Fred felt that many of the protections, the Commission was considering, are already in the existing regulations.

 

Joe asked how many parcels could be built on without going through subdivision.  John showed a map of the undeveloped parcels in town.  George reviewed some specific information for these parcels.  The Commission agreed that few parcels would likely be built on without first going through subdivision review.

 

Fred went on to say that the area based allocation system, presented to the Commission by Burnt Rock Associates for rural/agricultural areas, should also be used in forested areas.  Fred, Jean, and Joe indicated that this allocation system, taken together with attention to the existing language Fred highlighted, could address the Commission concerns about development in primarily forested areas.

 

George said the Commission should develop some examples of the area based allocation system to show how it would work with a real parcel.

 

Other Business:

Alex went over a Lake Champlain Basin Program Grant opportunity.  Alex has passed this along to Ted White with the Conservation Commission.  Jean said this grant opportunity was better suited to the Conservation Commission than the Planning Commission.

 

Alex related a letter sent to the Commission by Chuck Reiss asking for clarification of a Planning Standard mentioned in the Subdivision Regulation.  Jean will respond in writing.

 

Alex passed out a housing report prepared by a subcommittee of the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission.  The Commission will discuss this report further at the next meeting.

 

Jean MOVED to appoint Jerry Wetzel to represent the Commission through the rest of the Mt. Pritchard (St. George) tower issue.  Fred SECONDED the motion.  The motion PASSED 7-0.

 

Fred asked what the Commission’s responsiveness should be to concerns brought by the public regarding existing regulations.  Jean said that the Commission should listen to anyone with a concern, but will have to decide how to address these issues on a case-by-case basis.

 

Fred, John, and George updated the Commission on the West Side Road Feasibility study.  A coordination meeting was held with various stakeholders on September 12, 2002.  The Chittenden County Metropolitan Planning Organization (CCMPO) will coordinate and pay for the feasibility study.  This study will provide preliminary engineering with regard to site limitations and potential routes.  A site visit was conducted today (September 18, 2002) including Fred, John, George, and Chris Pecor (engineer on the project).  Good progress is being made.  Alex has additional information from the Town Growth Center Pilot Project and from the Route 116 scoping study that he will pass along to the project engineer.

 

George MOVED to adjourn the meeting.  Nancy SECONDED the motion.  The motion PASSED 7-0.  The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:56pm.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

______________________________/____________

Alex Weinhagen                                               Date