TOWN OF HINESBURG

SAPUTO REDEVELOPMENT STEERING COMMITTEE

February 2, 2009

Committee Members Present: Will Patten, Bill Schubart, Rolf Kielman, Laura Carlsmith, Sara Armstrong, Scott Buckingham, Will Mackinnon.

Commission Members Absent:None.

Also Present: Alex Weinhagen (Director of Planning and Zoning), Curt Carter (Greater Burlington Industrial Corporation).

**NOTE – This was the steering committee’s first meeting after being formed by the Selectboard in January. The meeting began at approximately 5:30 p.m.

Introductions & Review of Steering Committee Mission & Goals

Steering Committee members introduced themselves. Alex briefly reviewed the mission and goals outlined by the Selectboard.

Progress to Date & Updates

Alex and Curt reviewed what the Town’s response has been since Saputo announced the closure of the cheese factory on 10/22/2008. The Town is working closely with GBIC, and Curt explained that the Town has asked them to do fact finding through direct communication with Saputo. Alex explained some of the early community feedback received by the Planning & Zoning Department, as well as the 12/10/2008 meeting of economic development partners (state, federal, private foundation) that the Town and GBIC coordinated. Alex and Curt also explained that the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) has offered to work with the Town and Saputo to secure EPA funds to conduct a phase 1 Brownfield assessment of the site. Any sale of the property will likely be contingent on having such an assessment done, and tapping the CCRPC/EPA assessment resources is one way the Town can help move redevelopment of the property along. Bill MOVED that the Steering Committee request that the CCRPC pursue the completion of a phase 1 Brownfield study. Scott SECONDED the motion. The motion PASSED 7-0.

Next Steps

The group discussed the need to create a vision for the property in order to help spur positive redevelopment. Various ideas were mentioned, and this discussion will continue at future meetings. Will Patten and Bill agreed to serve as co-chairs of the Steering Committee. Rolf volunteered to be responsible for taking minutes as secretary, and Laura offered to serve as a backup if Rolf were to miss a meeting. The Steering Committee agreed to hold regular bi-weekly meetings on Mondays at 5:30pm at the Town Office.

Other Business & Announcements

None.

The next meeting is scheduled for February 16, 2009. The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:15pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

Alex Weinhagen

Director of Planning & Zoning