Hinesburg Village Steering Committee

Meeting Minutes – January 14, 2008

Present: Donna Constantineau, George Dameron, Rolf Kielman, Aaron Kimball, Karla Munson, Dona Walker

Absent: Brian Busier

Approval of Minutes for November and December meetings

It was discussed that there should be joint town meetings with at least two representatives from each committee at least two times per year.

The Village Growth Center rezoning proposal discussion was augmented with hand outs from the Planning Commission revisions from 1/9/08. George brought up the issue of how to avoid sprawl on Rte. 116. Aaron brought up the issue of the NW section of Rte. 116 and the concept of mixed usage (see page 10 – 11 of the Oct. 10 Village Growth Area Rezoning Proposal.). Donna added that overall planning could help to prevent this and urged the use of the map concept. Building size was brought up as a way to guide growth. Also of concern was the town limitation on current water and sewerage. There was discussion about the us versus them concept in regards to those in the village and outside the village. Again the map concept could assist with this issue as ideas that are beneficial to the entire town such as the senior/youth center could generate more approval for expansion since the projects would be of  benefit to the entire town.  Concern was expressed for landowners in the town. George proposed a list should be generated of things that we don’t want to see in town. Some items that the group generated were: more traffic, big box retail stores, ugly non-compatible with the town character designs, scattered development that crops up piecemeal without a continuous design, access issues, no more development without  the use of the town map, plans that don’t include sidewalks and crosswalks or again regards to design standards. It was decided that the group would re-read the October 10^th document and come to the next meeting with specific recommendations.

Monument issue was revisited. Aaron brought up the point that the families that are honored in the monument should be consulted as to how they would feel about a monument move.  Dona felt a strong place for the monument would be a place that gives the monument greater honor by giving it visibility and that is could be near a flag, or a bandstand and that it would enhance Forth of July celebrations to have the monument in a prominent town location. It was mentioned that the new T-section of Silver Street might effect the monument area for good or for bad. Karla will check with Brian on his progress. 

Village Traffic and Sidewalk issue was next discussed. George said that on cold days the pedestrian button doesn’t work well. Karla brought up that the town will have more coordination of the lights after a few months of observation and study. The sidewalks on the west side of 116 are an issue and folks wondered what is next ? Rolf will ask Rocky and Jeanne to clarify this issue.

Transportation update: Karla reported that through a grant from United We Ride we will be able to look into various solutions for Hinesburg. Some current ideas include a volunteer program, SSTA, On the Go, ride sharing to UVM, logos, brochures, volunteer applications and screening. More to come.

Other business included Aaron’s suggestion of a light for the flag. He also has been in touch with Jeanne about assisting with the town web site as this position has grown to be too big for just one volunteer. It was suggested that the heads of the town committees should be able to access the web site to update it for current content management. VSC page needs updates for current members. Aaron can keep his eye on the site for VSC.  Town sign is on the way soon.  Invite Rocky to the March meeting was suggested.

Meeting adjourned by 8:50. Next meeting: 2/11/08

Respectfully Submitted,

Donna Constantineau