VSC Meeting Minutes
11/10/08
Members Present: Brian Busier, George Dameron, Rolf Kielman, Aaron Kimball, Karla Munson, Dona Walker
Members Absent: one seat vacant
Meeting called to order at 7:10 p.m.
1) 10/13/08 VSC minutes approved
2) Donna Constantineau no longer on VSC. There is a vacancy to fill on the VSC.
All took part in a discussion of possible people to fill the vacant VSC seat. It was agreed that ideal candidate does not necessarily have to live in the village. It is more important that the person have an interest in helping advance the goals and objectives the committee has been established to pursue. A short list of names was generated and will be forwarded to town admin Jeanne Wilson by RK. Perhaps Donna has a recommendation for her seat? All suggestions are welcomed. See town website for more details about becoming a committee member.
3) AK presented initial planning designs of Hinesburg Village History Project. The project may include-among other things-a walking tour of the village, oral histories, new research into the town's past, and a celebration of the town's 250th birthday in 2012. A web presence is in the works in an effort to generate interest and recruit interested parties. Source information at this point is coming from available publications and studies that have been completed some time ago. The project has the potential to be far-reaching in it's scope to bring many different people, and many different groups together in celebration of our town.
4) DW spoke with Rocky Martin about funds available for Village signage. No town money available at this time. The idea of grants and fundraising was discussed.
5) A noticeable increase in traffic on Route 116 through the Village has been noted. What can be done? Discussion of signage to discourage truck noise in the village was once again suggested. GD to draft a letter to the Select Board and the Hinesburg Police asking for stronger speed limit enforcement and to voice concern about the noise level of the current truck traffic and increasing presence of large vehicles in the Village.
6) The committee re-visited its sidewalk and crosswalk priorities list for the Village. This list will be forwarded to the Select Board and Planning Commission. It is the intent of the VSC that this list will be used as a guide for the planning and completion of this work. The updated list is below.
Sidewalks Waiting to be Completed:
1. North side of Route 116 from Hart and Mead to Lyman Meadows Road (to complete a sidewalk segment)
2. South side of Route 116 School to Friendship Lane
3. East side of Route 116 from Commerce Park to Mechanicsville Road
4. North side of Route 116 from Lyman Meadows to a point opposite Friendship Lane
5. East or West side of Route 116 from Commerce Park to Ballard's Corner / CVU Road
6. South side of Mechanicsville Road from Village Heights to Mall parking entrance (to complete a sidewalk segment)
7. Commerce Road from Bank to Dark Star Lighting (to complete a sidewalk segment)
8. Richmond Road to Triple-L Park
Sidewalks Completed or Scheduled to be Completed Soon:
1. West side of Route 116 from Charlotte Road to Silver Street to HCS
2. West side of Route 116 between Town Hall and Cheese Factory site (completed)
3. South side of Mechanicsville Road from Thorn Bush Road to Village Heights (completed)
4. Pedestrian walkway from Creekside to the Cheese Factory site (completed)
5. Sidewalks throughout Creekside (completed)
6. Sidewalks throughout Thistle Hill (completed)
Crosswalks Needing to be Established or Updating
1. Crossing of Route 116 west of Lyman Meadows Road
2. Crossing of Silver Street south of Route 116 (with stop sign)
3. Crossing of Route 116 in front of United Church of Hinesburg (The White Church and Farmer's Market location)
4. Crossing of Mechanicsville Road east of Route 116 with the stop sign
5. Crossing of Route 116 immediately south of Mechanicsville Road
6. Crossing of Mechanicsville Road at Thorn Bush Road (Thistle Hill)
Crosswalks Completed:
1. Crossing of Route 116 in front of Lantman's
2. Crossing of Charlotte Road west of Route 116
3. Crossing of Route 116 in front of Hinesburg Community School
4. Crossing of Route 116 south of Commerce Road
7) Discussion of the Saputo site - post fire. What will be the impact to the town and to the residents with the loss of tax revenue and wastewater fees that were generated by the plant being here. Concern was expressed about what type of business might move into the site. It was generally agreed that a business enterprise would be a better fit for the location rather than more housing. The point was made that now might be a good time to push to get the "west side road" officially put on the town map. This road would cross through the property from the Charlotte road to a point north of the site.
8) RK updated the group on the status of the recreation path that is planned for Mechanicsville Road between Commerce Drive and CVU Road. The town's part is complete. The project is now in the hands of the state. Nothing expected until next year at the earliest.
A continued discussion of what village amenities the VSC would like to see happen. This would include: better pedestrian lighting, sidewalk and cross walk system completed, the creation of a town green, and a greater awareness of the increase in traffic in town and how better to manage and plan for it. What do other towns have and how do they solve similar issues? How do we address these challenges without becoming just another town in the line of towns along highway? As town members we must be keenly aware of not trying to make the town something it's not in our efforts to shape the town's future growth.
9) Other Business: KM mentioned a project she was involved with that was looking into the possibility of installing a public clock on the facade of the town hall.
Meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Next Meeting; 12/08/08
Respectfully submitted,
Aaron Kimball, VSC Secretary