TOWN OF HINESBURG
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Approved February 19, 2003
Commission Members
Present: Jean Isham (Chair), Joe Iadanza, John Buckingham, George Bedard,
Carrie Fenn, John Mace, Fred Haulenbeek
Commission Members Absent: Will Patten, Nancy Norris
Also Present: Alex Weinhagen (Town Planner), David Spitz (consultant)
The meeting began at approximately 7:30pm.
Town Plan Revision
Project:
David Spitz was present to discuss the Town Plan revision project and his planned work for the Commission as our consultant. Alex overviewed the overall project scope and timeline, including a series of citizen forums in March and April followed by drafting new/revised language through the remainder of 2003. The Commission then discussed possible topics for the upcoming forums. The following topics or issue areas were mentioned:
· Village District expansion
· West Side Road development possibilities
· Village infrastructure issues – e.g., Rt. 116 corridor, sewer service area, recreation
· Town-wide infrastructure issues – e.g., roads, recreation
· Growth management in rural areas – e.g., area based zoning
· Forest and Agriculture preservation
· Natural resource conservation – water quality, stream banks, ridgelines, forest conservation
· Recreational opportunities and connections – Rec. Path project, sidewalks, etc.
· Transportation issues – Rt. 116 improvements, Silver Street study, West Side Rd study
David recommended looking at Jericho’s recently completed open space plan to see how they addressed natural resources in their town plan. David also recommended involving other Town groups to help with portions of the plan. Carrie indicated that she wanted the Town Plan to seriously address natural resource conservation. Jean said she would contact Ted White, with the Conservation Commission, to solicit his involvement. Jean also recommended we try to bring in Mike Snyder (Chittenden County Forester) to speak at one of the forums.
David recommended the 1st two forums focus on patterns of development and growth management issues. The first forum could focus on these issues as they relate to the Village, and include important corollary issues like sewer service area, Rt. 116 improvements, etc. The second forum could focus on these issues as they relate to the rest of Town, with an emphasis on the more rural areas. Topic matter for the final 2 forums will be set later, but one will likely focus on natural resources.
The Commission discussed possible dates for the 4 forums, and decided on 3/10, 3/25, 4/8, 4/29. Alex will secure locations for these dates, and will get some publicity into the upcoming Hinesburg Record at least for the 1st two forums. Alex also plans to do a town-wide mailing to further publicize the forums. Jean volunteered to help with dessert refreshments at the forums. She also suggested that we try to set up childcare.
John Mace suggested that the Commission divide up responsibility for the forums, with a couple Commissioners responsible for preparing and presenting at each forum. Carrie indicated that she will be away from 4/3-4/21. She also indicated an interest in helping with a forum focusing on natural resources. Fred said that the 2nd forum on planning for rural areas might be a good one for Carrie to work on given the connection to natural resource conservation.
Alex mentioned that more surveys come in every day, and currently over 100 had been returned. The deadline for returning surveys is 2/14. John Buckingham asked if survey results would be ready for the next Commission meeting on 2/19. Alex said he would try to get results by that meeting. John Mace has developed a database and data entry program, and he is also helping get the surveys entered and analyzed. Alex said that the survey results would help sculpt some of what is discussed in the forums. The Commission agreed that some/most survey results should be presented during the forums. David said this was an important element, and will help show people that the Commission is paying attention to their concerns.
Zoning and Subdivision
Regulation Changes:
The Commission discussed proposed language changes to sections 5.15 through the definitions of the Zoning Bylaw. These changes are based on a list of “housekeeping” revisions and clarifications developed by Faith Ingulsrud (previous town planner) and Peter Erb (Zoning Administrator). Joe led the Commission through the revised language that he had developed for these sections. The Commission will complete its first pass through the Zoning Bylaw at the next meeting, and begin on the Subdivision Bylaw changes.
Other Business:
Alex informed the Commission about a LaPlatte River and Lewis Creek workshop being held at the Library on February 19 from 7-8:30pm. Unfortunately, this is the same day/time as the next Commission meeting. Alex asked if the Commission would be willing to hold their meeting from 9-10:30pm so that everyone could attend the workshop. Jean and Fred felt this was a bad idea given that there was too much work to do on planning the forums and finishing the regulation changes. Carrie plans to attend the workshop, and will report back to the Commission on what was discussed.
Alex passed along an announcement regarding a subdivision and PRD/PUD workshop on March 12 from 6-9pm being held at VT Interactive TV locations around the State.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:30pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
______________________________/____________
Alex Weinhagen Date