TOWN OF HINESBURG

PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES

May 3, 2006

Approved May 17, 2006

Commission Members Present: Jean Isham, Joe Iadanza, Carrie Fenn, Joe Donegan, Fred Haulenbeek, George Bedard, Kay Ballard, Nancy Norris, Johanna White.

Commission Members Absent: none.

Also Present: Alex Weinhagen (Director of Planning and Zoning), Heather Stafford (Recording Secretary), Corrie Miller.

The meeting began at approximately 7:40 p.m.

Preliminary Review of Existing and Future Wastewater Capacity

Alex explained that in June of each year the town completes a system wide reallocation. They do this by looking at the average flow per day, and subtracting this amount from the system's maximum capacity (250,000 gallons per day). The town then makes an adjustment for the Cheese Factory (127,500 gallons per day) and they end up with what is left over. Allocations which have not yet come on line are then subtracted which leaves the 'uncommitted reserve'. This reserve is then split into different categories via pre-designated percentages; 23% or 10,000 gallons per day (whichever is greater) is set aside for institutional uses, 45% is set aside for residential uses, and 32% is set aside for Enterprise businesses (commercial and industrial).

This year the uncommitted reserve is about 19,000 gallons per day. Several residential allocations have already been granted to Hinesburg Hillside, Green Street, and the Reiss project which amounts to approximately 5400 gallons per day. This coming year there may be additional gallons to allocate because several previous allocations are on a 3 year renewal term which is up this year. The Selectboard will require some level of DRB approval for a project in order for the project to hold their allocation. If there are no viable projects there is approximately 14,000 gallons per day that could return for reallocation.

Alex noted that the Enterprise allocation is not tapped very often and that even when it is, an office building only requires 15 gallons per day per employee. This category still holds 3800 gallons per day for this year which has not been used. Alex further clarified that the state determines how much water a single family home should be allocated in a day (210 gallons) but that typically this number is much less which contributes to there being excess amounts to reallocate at the end of each year.

Alex calculated that if the town is able to collect the 14,000 gallons from the 3-year term expirations, the town will have 27,800 gallons per day in uncommitted reserve. Based on the percentages, 6400 gallons will be allocated for institutional use (if the 10,000 gpd amount is overridden), 9000 will be allocated for enterprise uses and 12,500 gallons will be allocated for Residential. Since Hinesburg Hillside already has received their allocation that means that there is actually only 8000 gpd allocated for residential use which amounts to approximately 37 units. It was noted that the town will have limited residential growth in the village until the sewer upgrade can be completed.

The Upgrade

The town is planning to upgrade the town wastewater system so that it can have a capacity of 400,000 gallons per day. The State has indicated that they feel confident that the LaPlatt can handle this level of discharge per day. The Selectboard has purchased the Eddy property that is adjacent to the plant to accommodate for the upgrade.

Joe referenced the Yellowood Report which noted that the pre-treatment facility for the Cheese Factory does a great deal of the treatment for their wastewater and that in actuality they could bypass a good deal of the treatment process at the town plant. However the discharge levels would still remain the same so this change would not affect the maximum capacity. There is also a great deal of interest in whether the Cheese Factory would eventually use the town lagoons instead of their own which would allow for the possible future creation of the West Side Road. With the lagoons in their present location this concept is not a possibility.

Alex said that the Selectboard thinks that in the best case scenario the upgrade would happen in 2008 and that the Planning Commission should probably consider a phasing plan in relation to sewer allocation. It was also noted that the Yellowood Report looked at integrating smaller scale wastewater treatment facilities in town but that poor soils make this option impossible.

Village Core Zoning Options and Ideas

Carrie said she thought the Village district line could be extended down along the south side of 116 to across from Buck Hill Road and to include Mr. Hart's home. The commission thought it was the consensus at the forums for this area to be used as residential and not mixed use. Alex noted that this would mean creating a new zoning district since the village district allows for commercial use. Joe thought a road grid, pedestrian access and a parking area should be incorporated into this area. Alex said he thought there was a good possibility for municipal recreational area on the West Side of 116 south of the triangle. The walk to this area from the school would be approximately 1700 ft (about twice the length the children now walk to Lyman Park). It was also mentioned that there has been some discussion by Chuck Reiss about using the barn on his project's land for community uses which would complement development in this area.

The commission discussed their conversations with the Quinns regarding how they would like to see their land developed in the future. It was noted that they have no interest in becoming a part of the village zoning district and would like to see less dense residential housing over the ridge. Commission members thought this might work well as it would offer good connectivity with other developments in town (Hawk Lane and Barone's). It was noted that zoning could be crafted to make it easier for landowners to fulfill their visions for their properties. Joe I. thought some research would need to be done to see if the soils in this area would hold septic systems.

Southern Approach (Route 116/Buck Hill Road) Zoning Options and Ideas

Alex said that based on the current zoning regulations it is very difficult to determine allowable density for multi-unit dwellings in the village. Single family homes are permitted at a density of 3 units per acre, while 1 bedroom multi-family building units are permitted at 7 units per acre. He said he felt that three units per acre is too little and that 6 units per acre works better to establish a 'village feel'. Joe I thought that infill should be encouraged on the south side of town; he suggested that near Papa Nick's would be a good place for infill.

The commission discussed creating a lane along the back of Lantman's and the front of Lyman Meadows Park . It was mentioned that this is a great area with fantastic views that is difficult to access. A Center Lane could allow access to Lantman's, the Church as well as the park. Nancy said she was concerned with bringing traffic closer to the kids and thought this might be a safety issue. George said he felt the board needed to evaluate an enlarged map to scale that would allow them to determine what would fit where. Carrie suggested that the commission also review the Center Road Study.

The commission also discussed the Russell Family property adjacent to Lyman Meadows and Kelly Field and how this area would be a great place for a village green/park. Joe expressed his interest in starting an organic dairy farm in town and thought it would also be valuable to have a 'Living Farm Museum' that would showcase a working farm while paying homage to the extensive agricultural history of Hinesburg.

Alex noted that at the forums the townspeople had expressed an interest in growing the town organically from the core outward and that there are several opportunities for infill in this area that he felt should be aggressively pursued. Joe I. added that he felt the Center Lane could close off access to the Church from 116 which would allow for infill between the Church and 116. The park area near the Good Times Cafe was also mentioned as a good area for something compatible with the town and the Masonic hall.

The commission discussed ideas regarding the memorial. It was noted that placing the memorial near town hall and level with 116 was one option that seemed supported by the public. The future placement of a stoplight at this intersection will also allow for more motorists to take notice of the memorial.

Some other ideas presented by commission members included:

· Fixing the traffic issues at the elementary school.

· Bias zoning towards multi-family homes. Allow a bonus for attached structures.

· Promote back access to businesses on 116. Eliminate curb cuts and provide on-street parking in its place.

George noted that there is a revision clause in regards to the deed for the Masonic Hall property (town owned) on the corner of 116 and Silver Street which could create problems if the undeveloped portion was sold or developed. He said emminent domain could be used to clean up the outstanding conditions. Initially the surrounding property was supposed to be used as a town green. Carrie was concerned that this area is not very family-friendly and that perhaps in-fill should be used in this location instead. The commission discussed how different green spaces can be used for different purposes and that perhaps they should not focus on creating one town green but instead on creating functional green spaces for different uses.

Kay was concerned that the town greens are properly maintained. It was noted that at present the greens are maintained by several different groups based on their affiliation. Joe I. said he thought it was important to note that not all green space needs to be owned by the municipality. It was also noted that concerns regarding green spaces' proximity to busy roadways was relative to the speeds and streetscape and that burms and landscaping could be used to mitigate this issue.

Other Business:

Alex said that Rocky will be at the next meeting to further discuss the sewer allocation process and upgrade. Alex will also try to schedule Lisa Godfrey's discussion on the LaPlatt River at this meeting.

Minutes of the April 19, 2006 Meeting

George MOVED to approve the minutes as written. Carrie SECONDED the motion. The motion PASSED 9 -0.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:55 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted:

Heather Stafford

Recording Secretary