TOWN OF HINESBURG

PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES

September 15, 2004

Approved October 6, 2004

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

Commission Members Absent: none.

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

The meeting began at approximately 7:45pm.

**NOTE – September 1 meeting was cancelled.

West Side Area & Ballard’s Corner:

Fred explained that the Selectboard heard from Wayne Bissonette at a recent meeting regarding his desire to see the southwest corner of Ballard’s corner zoned as commercial. Fred and Jean attended the meeting and described the discussion. Apparently, the Selectboard felt the draft Plan language (under village recommendations) enabled such a future zoning change. However, they suggested the Planning Commission add language to either recognize this change more specifically or make it a higher priority. Alex explained that the Selectboard has the authority to make additional changes to the draft plan once it is delivered to them by the Commission.

Fred and Joe said they want a master plan for the entire West Side area before any of it is re-zoned. John asked Fred if he felt Wayne has a specific commercial use in mind. Fred said he didn’t think so. Jean also felt it would be a mistake to accelerate rezoning of the Ballard’s corner area before a master plan for the whole area is developed. Joe felt that the basic skeleton of the road infrastructure should be laid out prior to opening it up for growth. George felt the ends of the road should be identified, and some of the basic components in between, but not the exact route. The Commission also discussed sewer infrastructure that will be needed to serve this area.

Fred said stormwater issues will be a major concern for both developers and townspeople. He felt the Commission should work it out ahead to help minimize costs and cumulative issues. George said stormwater is a mechanical or engineering issue that can be dealt with by each developer as growth proceeds.

Carrie also felt that the master plan should come first. Fred said he doesn’t really care if the commercial area at Ballard’s corner is expanded to some of the Bissonette land, but he still thinks this should only happen after the master plan is complete.

George and Karla Munson suggested adding a general paragraph to the Town Plan that would enable changes to any zoning district, as long as the changes benefited the Town as a whole. They felt this would provide the Commission with the flexibility to make minor zoning district changes without having to rewrite the Town Plan each time. The Commission discussed the pros and cons of this approach. Jean felt the new Plan contained enough enabling language already to provide this flexibility. Jean asked which Commissioners were in favor of adding the paragraph suggested by the Munsons. Fred, George, and Nancy were in favor of adding it, the remaining 6 Commissioners were opposed.

Municipal Planning Grant Application:

Alex reminded the Commission that he is drafting an FY2005 Municipal Planning Grant application to secure a consultant(s) to assist the Commission in revising the zoning regulations based on the new Plan and to help the Town develop a capital budget that factors in new village growth areas, in-fill development, and the infrastructure that will be needed to support all of this. Alex said he will work with Jean on the final wording of the grant application.

Minutes of the August 18, 2004 Meeting:

John MOVED to approve the August 18, 2004 meeting minutes as amended. Carrie SECONDED the motion. The motion PASSED 9-0.

Other Business & Announcements:

The Commission decided to keep meetings at the Town Office for the time being, rather than returning to the Hinesburg Community School. Alex updated the Commission on the upcoming Municipal Officers Management (MOMs) conference, the Community School’s “Safe Routes to School” grant application, and the upcoming DRB work session to discuss possible procedural and staffing improvements.

John MOVED to adjourn. Johana SECONDED the motion. The motion PASSED 9-0. The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:30pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

___________________________________/____________

Alex Weinhagen, Town Planner Date