TOWN OF HINESBURG

PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES

 

July 21, 2004

Approved August 4, 2004

 

Commission Members Present:  Jean Isham (Chair), Carrie Fenn, John Buckingham, Joe Iadanza, George Bedard, Nancy Norris, Johanna White, Daniel Greller

 

Commission Members Absent:  Fred Haulenbeek.

 

Also Present:  Alex Weinhagen (Town Planner), George & Karla Munson, Peter Erb.

 

The meeting began at approximately 7:35pm.

 

Zoning Administrator Appointment:

According to State statute, the Zoning Administrator (ZA) is appointed by the Planning Commission with the approval of the Selectboard.  Peter Erb, the current ZA, was 1st appointed on August 15, 2001 for a 3-year term.

 

Jean distributed a letter from David Lyman on the ZA appointment.  She also distributed correspondence from George Munson on the ZA appointment and issues related to staffing for the Development Review Board (DRB).  She also mentioned that she spoke with the chair of the DRB (Tom McGlenn), and he informed her that at the DRB’s July 20 meeting, 5 members expressed support for Peter’s reappointment.  Jean said she felt the Commission’s job is to appoint the Zoning Administrator, rather than dictate or decide on staffing requirements or job descriptions for the DRB.  Johanna MOVED to re-appoint Peter Erb as Zoning Administrator, pending Selectboard approval.  Carrie SECONDED the motion.

 

George Bedard said the Commission should address the DRB staffing issues, and consider them prior to appointing the ZA.  Jean felt the job description of the ZA is set forth in State statute.  George Munson said the Selectboard does have its own job description for the ZA and that it is out of date now that the DRB is doing all development review.  He said that the Commission and other boards have vested interest in the ZA position, and should take an active role in discussions about job duties.

 

Peter said he is open to discussing all possible staffing options to improve the development review process.  George Bedard said that the Town is understaffed in the Planning/Zoning department, and that the Commission should make a recommendation that recognizes that need.  He also felt that the ZA’s core job duties (as defined in State statute) should be separated from DRB staff support duties.  In other words, he does not want the ZA to also provide direct staff support, the form staff reports and decision support, to the DRB.  He feels the DRB deserves a dedicated staff person that isn’t also charged with the ZA’s permitting and enforcement responsibilities.

 

Jean said that the Commission shouldn’t hold up the ZA appointment process because of DRB process issues, when 5 members of the DRB have expressed support for Peter’s re-appointment.  George Munson clarified that he supports Peter’s re-appointment, and that he simply wants the Commission to recommend to the Selectboard that the DRB staffing issues be addressed.

 

Carrie called for a vote on the motion.  The motion PASSED 7-1 with George Bedard voting no.  Jean instructed Alex to inform the Selectboard of the Commission’s decision.  She also instructed Alex to tell the Selectboard that the Commission would like to be a part of the discussion between the Selectboard and the DRB regarding staffing issues, needs, and reforms.

 

Bissonette Master Plan & Proposed Gilman Road Development:

George Bedard pointed out that Carrie may not want to participate in this discussion, since she is reviewing this development application in her role as alternate to the DRB.  Carrie agreed and left the meeting room during this discussion so as not participate in any “ex-parte” discussions that could complicate the DRB’s review process.

 

John Buckingham asked why the Commission was even discussing this project.  Alex explained that the Commission had discussed a possible master plan with Wayne Bissonette at the November 20, 2002 meeting.  He said that Wayne’s current application includes a map showing his ownership in the Gilman, Hines, and Beecher Hill Road area, which identifies possible future uses.  Alex thought the Commission might be interested in seeing how Wayne has begun to incorporate the Commission’s earlier suggestions into his developing plan.  Alex then reviewed the overall map as well as the sketch plan map for the proposed 9-unit subdivision on the Gilman Road.

 

Minutes of the July 7, 2004 Meeting:

George MOVED to approve the July 7, 2004 meeting minutes.  Nancy SECONDED the motion.  The motion PASSED 8-0.

 

Other Business & Announcements:

Announcements included:

·        VHFA Housing Conference on November 16

 

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:55pm.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

___________________________________/____________

Alex Weinhagen, Town Planner               Date