TOWN OF HINESBURG

PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES

August 17, 2005

Approved September 7, 2005

Commission Members Present: Jean Isham (chairperson), Fred Haulenbeek, Joe Iadanza, Carrie Fenn, George Bedard, Kay Ballard, John Buckingham, Nancy Norris.

Commission Members Absent: Johanna White.

Also Present: Alex Weinhagen (Director of Planning/Zoning), Kristen Underwood, Howard Russell, Dennis Casey, Ethan Swift.

The meeting began at approximately 7:45pm.

Stormwater & Impervious Surface Presentation & Discussion:

Kristen Underwood of South Mountain Research & Consulting gave a slide presentation on stormwater issues and impervious surfaces. She also discussed stream stability issues and how these are related to stormwater runoff. There was discussion with the Commission on various topics from the presentation including fluvial erosion hazard areas related to stream stability, stormwater runoff control techniques, riparian buffers, etc.

Flood Hazard Area Regulations:

George reported that based on his review of the new model flood hazard regulatory language provided by FEMA, he felt that our existing flood hazard regulations were sufficient to meet the requirements. He said the new model language was generally more detailed, but didn’t change the substance of our existing language (which was based on earlier model language from FEMA). He said some of the definitions in the new model language might be helpful to the Zoning Administrator in clarifying terminology. Alex said he would make sure the map reference was updated and take a look at the definitions to see if changes to our existing language were necessary.

Minutes of the August 3, 2005 Meeting:

George MOVED to approve the August 3, 2005 meeting minutes as amended. Carrie SECONDED the motion. The motion PASSED 8-0.

Other Business:

Village Growth Project – consultant selection update:

Alex said that 3 responses to the project RFP were received. Consultants responding included: ORW Landscape Architects & Planners (Bob White, principal), Landworks (David Raphael, principal), VT Design Institute (Diane Gayer, principal). Alex said the ORW and Landworks responses were both very strong. He will forward these to George and Nancy, so they can review them and provide feedback for the selection. Alex said he will contact Faith Ingulsrud (previous Town Planner) and some of the references provided to help in the selection.

Agenda Items for September 7 Meeting:

Alex said he will bring along the recently completed visibility analysis map. John recommended that we try to get the Village Growth Project consultant to attend as well.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 10pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Alex Weinhagen, Director of Planning & Zoning