Selectboard Meeting
May 18, 2009
Attending the meeting; Jon Trefry, Andrea Morgante, Ken Brown, Randy Volk, Howard Russell, Jeanne Wilson, Frank Koss, Fred Silber, Bill Schubart, Will Patten, Paul Gillies, Kristen Sharples.
Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m.
Will Patten and Bill Schubart, Saputo Redevolpment Committee / Update on Committee Work – Will said the committee is working on a proposal for site control. They want to develop a plan for the 15 acre site as well as consider possibilities for available surrounding properties. There are three parts; 1) a written statement 2)work in progress – graphic design and 3)business plan for how it would be self sustaining.
Andrea stated even if the Town is not successful in obtaining site control the Town can address vision of what development we want there through zoning.
Ken moved the Board go into executive session to discuss real estate and legal matters including Will Patten, Bill Schubart and Jeanne Wilson. Second by Andrea and approved.
Ken moved the Board come out of executive session, second by Andrea and approved.
Paul Gillies / Board Training Session on Ancient Roads Process – Howard said the research has been largely completed and the committee is in the process of walking the properties to look for the roads.
Paul said the next step is to submit to VTrans, planning division of AOT, a map identifying these corridors by Feb 2010. He recommends the Town hold a public hearing showing the roads identified and get general public input on the future status of the roads. If a property is served by a road that will be considered a discontinued road, the landowner then has a private right-of-way to continue use of that road. Thus assuring the landowner will have access to their property. For roads that will be classified as trails, control of the trail would have to be done with an ordinance.
After the February 2010 submission of mapped roads is received back from VTrans with their approval, the Town has 4 years to decide what they want to do with the roads.
New Town Forest Management Committee
Recommendation of Forest Name / LaPlatte Headwaters Town Forest – Howard moved the Board move to accept the recommendation of the New Town Forest Management Committee and name the New Town Forest the LaPlatte Headwaters Town Forest and the upper meadow on parcel 1 be named Bissonette Meadow. Second by Randy and approved.
Discussion of Preventing Use of Motorized Vehicles – the committee has installed a temporary gate and felled some trees at the entrance point.
Discussion of Barn Deconstruction – this is now in progress.
FSA USDA Farm Reconstitution Process –the committee recommends the Town enroll in the program as it allows the Town several options on maintaining the upper meadow of 9.7 acres as a productive field and additional acreage that will be mowed. Andrea moved to authorize the chair to sign the FSA documents to enter into the Farm Reconstitution Process, second by Ken and approved.
Discussion of Recommendations to Planning Commission for Future Changes to Village Growth Area Zoning – Andrea said she feels this may be premature as the DRB will be receiving training from Alex at their meeting tomorrow. She would like to hear any questions from the DRB on the intention of the Planning Commission on how to implement the goals of these changes.
Randy read his comments noting 4 general areas of concern.
The Board discussed how tot promote affordable housing and how the Town could be involved vs. making the developer responsible.
Also discussed inclusionary zoning – opportunity for all economic ranges to live in all areas of Town. This can be done through incentives to the developer.
Andrea read her proposed new wording for the Village NW District purpose. Andrea stated that of all possible changes, requiring master planning in all the greater village area was a priority.
Other Business
Approve Warrants: Ken moved that the Board vote to approve the warrants (including payroll warrants) for bills payable as presented by the Town Treasurer. Second by Howard and approved.
Minutes of May 4, 2009: Howard moved that the Board vote to approve the minutes of May 4, 2009 as corrected. Second by Ken and approved.
Minutes of May 7, 2009: Howard moved that the Board vote to approve the minutes of May 7, 2009, second by Andrea and approved.
Minutes of May 13, 2009: Howard moved that the Board vote to approve the minutes of May 13, 2009, second by Ken and approved.
Correcting Motion for Adoption of Village Growth Area Re-Zoning and Official Map: At the May 4, 2009 meeting, the Selectboard voted to adopt the village growth area re-zoning proposal and official map as presented at the April 6 public hearing. However, there may be some question as to whether the proper procedure was followed in reconsidering an amendment to the original motion. Randy made the following motion – that the vote taken by the Hinesburg Selectboard on May 4, 2009 to adopt the village growth area zoning and subdivision regulation changes and official map as presented at the April 6, 2009 public meeting as is, without amendment, be ratified and confirmed. Second by Ken. Jon, Randy and Ken in favor. Howard and Andrea opposed. Motion approved.
Amendment to Traffic Ordinance / Speed Limits on Segments of Mechanicsville Road, Charlotte Road and Silver Street: As discussed at the May 4 meeting, the Selectboard wishes to reduce the speed limits to 30 mph on the following three road segments:
Mechanicsville Road from Route 116 to Hawk Lane
Charlotte Road from Route 116 to the bridge over the LaPlatte
Silver Street from Route 116 for a distance of .25 miles
Andrea moved that the Board vote to adopt the following resolution: Be it resolved that an amendment to Article 10.13.01 (Speed Limits) of the Town of Hinesburg Traffic Ordinance be adopted by vote of the Selectboard, and shall become effective 60 days after the date of this Resolution (July 17, 2009), following public posting and publication of the ordinance in conformity with the requirements of Chapter 59 of Title 24 VSA, provided that no petition is filed in accordance with VSA Title 24 § 1973. The amendment is to reduce the speed limit to 30 mph on Mechanicsville Rd from Route 116 to Hawk Lane, Charlotte Rd from Route 116 to the bridge over the LaPlatte, and Silver St from Route 116 for a distance of .25 miles. Second by Randy and approved.
Engagement Letter for Audit Services / Fothergill, Segale and Valley: At its 2/16/09 meeting, the Board awarded the bid for professional audit services for FY 08 –09, with an option to renew the engagement for FY 09 – 10 and FY 10 – 11 to Fothergill, Segale & Valley. The bid price for these services are $15,000 for FY 08 – 09, $15,500 for FY 09 – 10 and $16,000 for FY 10 – 11. Fothergill Segale & Valley has prepared an engagement letter for the Chair to sign, which summarizes the terms of the agreement. Ken moved that the Board vote to authorize the Chair to sign the engagement letter with Fothergill, Segale & Valley for professional audit services as outlined in the May 11, 2009 agreement. Second by Howard and approved.
Buried Utility Permit / Eustis Cable on Lavigne Hill Road: This is a request to install cable TV line across Lavigne Hill Road to access two residences located at 824 and 826 Lavigne Hill Road. The Road Foreman has specified that the contractor will need to bore under the Town road. Ken moved that the Board vote to approve the buried utility permit application of Eustis Cable to install cable TV line in the Town’s right-of-way on Lavigne Hill Road as outlined in the permit dated 5/1/09, subject to the terms and conditions placed on the permit by the Highway Foreman and all state and local permits governing the development of this parcel. Second by Howard and approved.
Finalize Vermont Gas Escrow Agreement and Utility Permit Conditions: The Board agreed to the version of the escrow agreement which does not include responsibility for private property, and authorized the chair to sign.
Waiver of Portion of Zoning Fees / Brent Francis on Hayden Hill Road: Ken moved that the Board vote to waive $75 of the $300 zoning fee for revision to a subdivision for an application by Brent Francis on Hayden Hill Road West. Second by Howard and approved.
Resignation from DRB / Lisa Godfrey: Ken moved that the Board vote to accept the resignation of Lisa Godfrey from the DRB effective immediately. Second by Howard and approved. This will leave the DRB with one vacant position.
Resignation from the Conservation Commission / Rob Farley: Ken moved that the Board vote to accept the resignation of Rob Farley from the Conservation Commission effective immediately. Second by Howard and approved. This will leave the Conservation Commission with two vacant positions.
Appointment to the Village Steering Committee: There is currently one vacancy on the Village Steering Committee, with a term that expires on October 1, 2010. The vacancy has been published and posted. Jane Starkweather of Silver Street has expressed an interest in the vacancy. No other letters of interest have been received. Andrea moved that the Board vote to appoint Jane Starkweather to the Village Steering Committee to fill a vacancy with a term which expires on October 1, 2010. Second by Ken and approved.
Appointment to CCMPO Transportation Advisory Committee: Terms of appointment for Jeanne Wilson as representative and Rocky Martin as alternate representative on the CCMPO Transportation Advisory Committee are due to expire on June 30, 2009. Both have expressed an interest in a reappointment. Howard moved that the Board vote to appoint Jeanne Wilson as representative and Rocky Martin as alternate representative to the CCMPO Transportation Advisory Committee for two-year terms which will expire on June 30, 2011. Second by Ken and approved.
Other Board Member Items –
Andrea advised the Board that she contacted VTrans regarding design of the Silver Street bridge.
Andrea moved the Board send a letter of appreciation and thanks to Matt Mainer for constructing the stone wall at the base of the Town Hall sign. Second by Howard and approved.
Ken said he is wondering if the Board can reconsider joining CCTA. Jon said he does not believe there is adequate time for Hinesburg to meet the CCTA deadline.
Jon noted in regards to the Rec Path right-of-way documents that it has been requested that the Town mow the area of Commerce St and Mechanicsville Rd where the Rec Path will pass through land by Nestec, owned by Foldesi. There will be a park bench and landscaping done on the corner.
Jeanne advised the Board that DEC will be submitting the Town’s WW project for a STAG grant.
Howard moved the Board go into executive session for personnel discussion, second by Andrea and approved.
Howard moved the Board come out of executive session and adjourn, second by Andrea and approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Spadaccini, secretary