TOWN OF HINESBURG

PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES

November 3, 2004

Approved November 17, 2004

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

Commission Members Absent: Nancy Norris, Johanna White.

Also Present: Alex Weinhagen (Town Planner)

The meeting began at approximately 7:40pm.

FY2005-2006 Budget:

Alex explained that the Town’s current GIS software (ArcView 3.2) is still functional but very out of date. More importantly, this older software is not well equipped to handle the new orthophotography and digital elevation data that is due to arrive in January 2005. Alex said that this new imagery and elevation data will open the door to 3-D visualization techniques that could help the Planning Commission, the DRB, and staff better visualize development plans and possible build out scenarios. He recommended budgeting for a software upgrade to enable this in the next year or two. Joe said that budgets for substantially new software products should also include money for training and potentially maintenance. Alex said he is still working on quotes from the manufacturer (ESRI), and will try to provide better numbers at the next meeting.

The Commission discussed training needs for new Commissioners (primarily Dan and Johanna), and decided to double the “dues, mtgs., subscriptions” budget item to $600. Alex explained that the current “supplies” line item of $100 will likely be insufficient to cover copying costs (e.g., paper, toner) related to the planned regulation revision process. Jean suggested adding between $100-200 more to this line item. Jean felt that the Commission will want a legal review of the next major regulation revision, and that we should budget for that. Alex said the Town appears to have a general legal services budget item that might cover the cost. Jean asked Alex to consult with the Town Administrator on this and report back.

Alex said that the need for “professional services” will depend in part on whether our Municipal Planning Grant application (village area planning) with the DHCA is successful. If not, we will definitely need funds for “professional services”. Alex said this line item will also depend on which additional projects the Commission would like to work on over the next 18 months. Jean said this is difficult to know for sure, but she felt the Commission will be working on regulatory changes above and beyond village issues – e.g., area-based zoning options for rural areas, natural resource overlay districts, etc. She felt it is important to keep at least $5,000 in the budget for professional services to help offset consulting services on these projects.

Alex told the Commission that he is recommending that the DRB ask for a small stipend given their work load, meeting schedule, etc. He asked if the Commission was interested in such a stipend. The consensus was that no stipend was necessary, and that the Commission felt its volunteer status was preferable. Jean said she would prefer that any stipend money instead be used for other planning related expenses.

The Commission discussed whether a future Village Steering Committee would require a budget. There was general consensus that $500 should be set aside for this committee to help cover postage, copying, printing, training, etc. Alex will firm up the budget for the November 17 meeting.

Minutes of the October 20, 2004 Meeting:

George MOVED to approve the October 20, 2004 meeting minutes as amended. John SECONDED the motion. The motion PASSED 7-0.

Other Business & Announcements:

Jean said that she will not be at the 12/1 meeting and may not be able to make the 12/15 meeting.

The budget will be further discussed at the November 17 meeting.

Carrie reviewed the November 1 Selectboard meeting, at which they discussed the draft Town Plan. She went over comments and proposed revisions made by Lynn, Jon, Rob, and Randy. She said that Andrea and Randy will likely provide additional comments at the next Selectboard meeting. Fred said he will try to be at that meeting, and report back to the Commission at the Nov. 17 meeting.

Respectfully Submitted,

___________________________________/____________

Alex Weinhagen, Town Planner Date