Minutes of Joint Selectboard and Planning Commission Meeting

December 9, 2003

Attending the meeting: Members of the Selectboard – Lynn Gardner, Rob Bast, Jon Trefry, Randy Volk; Members of the Planning Commission – Jean Isham, Fred Haulenbeek, George Bedard, Carrie Fenn, Nancy Norris, John Mace, Deb Howard; Staff - Rocky Martin, Alex Weinhagen, Jeanne Wilson, Peter Erb; Public – George Munson, Carla Munson, Bob Linck, John Lyman, David Lyman, Wayne Bissonette, Scott Shumway, Paul Wieczoreck, Rolf Kielman.

Selectboard Chair Lynn Gardner called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.

Lynn explained that the purpose of the meeting was for the Selectboard and the Planning Commission to discuss the wastewater service area (WWSA). Three alternatives were analyzed as part of this project. Alternative 1 includes the existing village zoning district, plus the commercial / industrial land on the east side of Route 116. Alternative 2 includes all of Alternative 1, plus the west side of Route 116 between Commerce Street and Shelburne Falls Road and both sides of Mechanicsville Road up to the intersection with Partridge Hill Road. Alternative 3 includes the area from Buck Hill Road West on the south, north to include the Ballard’s corner development and all of CVU’s property. On the eastern side, the service area extends east on Richmond Road to Iroquois Manufacturing, and the western border includes area on the west side of Route 116. Lynn indicated that in previous discussions, the Selectboard preferred Alternative #3 for the WWSA.

Public Works Director Rocky Martin gave a presentation on the current output of the wastewater treatment facility (permitted at 250,000 gpd, with an actual annual average of approximately 170,000 gpd). Rocky explained that while the annual average output is below the 250,000 gpd permitted limit, there are instances when the daily or monthly averages may exceed this limit. Infiltration in the collection system, as well as inflow from illegal basement sump pumps, floor and roof drains add a large amount of flow during rainy periods. Evaporation plays a large part in the amount of output, and often results in an output of zero during one or two of the summer months. These months of zero output more than offset months when the output exceeds the permitted limit in calculating the annual average.

The cheese plant is currently permitted for 120,000 gpd, but would like to increase output to 140,000 – 150,000 gpd. The current uncommitted reserve capacity for the residential sector equals 13,200 gpd, which translates into 63 living units (210 gpd/unit).

The CCRPC has been working with the town to create a build out analysis of each of the three alternatives. The CCRPC computer model calculates parcel acreage, subtracts out wetlands and slopes greater than 12% to determine build-able acreage. The model than subtracts out existing development, and utilizing current zoning, develops a theoretical build out capacity. Based on the analysis, the estimated build out for alternative 1 would be 117 additional residential units, alternative 2 would be 234 additional residential units and alternative 3 would be 261 additional residential units.

What this means is that the current permitted output of 250,000 gpd could theoretically accommodate the build out of alternative 1, but alternative 2 & 3 exceed the current capacity, especially if the town wishes to honor the cheese plants request for increased capacity. A caveat – none of the alternatives account for PRD’s or multi-unit housing. Multi-unit housing or PRD’s would likely exceed the residential capacity of all three alternatives.

Rocky explained that defining the WWSA is a required step in requesting funding for an upgrade of the wastewater treatment facility. A village growth center also needs to be defined. The growth center can be the same as the WWSA, but does not need to be.

Town Planner Alex Weinhagen clarified that the particular areas defined in the three alternatives were never meant to be the WWSA. Regardless of which alternative was preferred, the area would need to be refined. Alex further clarified that the build out was based on current zoning. If / when the zoning is changed, the build out will likely change. The Planning Commission has been discussing revisions to the zoning and this could change the build out substantially.

Lynn Gardner asked for feedback from the members of the Planning Commission on the alternatives.

Fred Haulenbeek noted that creation of the west side road (connecting Charlotte Road to Shelburne Falls Road, with a spur off to the Route 116 / Commerce Street intersection) would mitigate some of the traffic issues in the village by offering an alternate route. Without exploring the construction of side streets, we are limited to always being a one-street-town. The PC is interested in designating the area west of Route 116, between Commerce Street and Shelburne Falls Road as part of the growth center and as a mixed use zoning district.

Since this area is not yet zoned for mixed use development, Fred recommended including it in the WWSA, but phasing it in at a later date, after the zoning has been changed.

Lynn Gardner inquired about the time line for revisions to the zoning regulations . Jean Isham stated that the Planning Commission would complete the Town Plan revision process by the summer of 2004, and would then look at the revisions to the regulations. Lynn Gardner asked whether the Commission would look at the changes requested by the Selectboard in the next couple months, and Jean explained that those changes would not be addressed until after the Town Plan was completed. Jean also stated that it would be helpful to receive feedback from all parties during the revision process, instead of at the Selectboard hearing.

Other comments made by board members, commission members and the public regarding the WWSA included:

• Wastewater allocation is a planning tool. It would be wise to stick with the existing area until the Town Plan is completed.

• The town cannot accommodate alternative #3 with the current permitted capacity. The town should coordinate the short-term existing usage with the long-term expansion of the plant. Alternative 3 should be considered in parts.

• The town should not be in a reactionary mode. We should look towards future needs and plan.

• The WWSA needs to be defined in order for the Selectboard to effectively deal with capacity allocation requests. The alternatives should not be considered an expansion of the current service area. The WWSA should not be married to planning and zoning.

• The State may encourage a phased approach to the WWSA.

• Extending the WWSA up the west side of Route 116 provides a good opportunity for the Town to capitalize on improvements (ie – the potential relocation of Lantman’s IGA to the Route 116 / Shelburne Falls Road corner).

• It would be wise for the town to reserve some land on the west side of Route 116 for future municipal or school expansion.

• The Munson’s have suggested donating 20 acres adjacent to the Community School property to the town for school usage. This land would most likely not be suitable for building, but could be used as field space. If the existing school parcel had more land, it may be possible to expand the building on the current parcel, thus meeting growth needs.

• It is the consensus of the Planning Commission to expand the village district to include a portion of the Munson property.

Jean Isham asked how the Selectboard felt about the west side road zoning district. All four Selectboard members present advised that they were in favor of the mixed use zoning district.

Lynn noted that it appeared to be a consensus of the two boards to adopt a refined version of alternative 3 as the WWSA, with certain areas (mainly the west side of Route 116) to be phased in at a later time, after rezoning occurs.

Alex commented that it may be wise to reserve a certain portion of the allocation capacity for the village growth center.

Rolf Kielman stated that he has faith in collective wisdom. There are many good things about our town, mostly due to the concentration of services in the village area. The town should approach this expansion with caution. It is easier to develop in open areas. This is a pattern of growth that has ruined many communities. Lantman’s is a vital organ to the village center. The town should be extremely prudent in proceeding. Well executed, well planned growth is needed.

Paul Wieczoreck echoed Rolf’s concern about moving vital services out of the village core. It is important to keep the core intact and vital. Any proposed changes should be looked at very carefully. Paul questioned why is it not possible to allow Lantman’s to expand to the maximum capacity at the current location.

Alex Weinhagen stated that it was not the Planning Commission’s intent to move the village center. They wish the village to remain the growth center. Instead they wish to grow the village, instead of limiting space for growth.

David Lyman commented that no one had acknowledged how much the village center has already grown to include Commerce Street.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Jeanne Kundell Wilson

Hinesburg Town Administrator