Saputo Redevelopment Steering Committee
Meeting Minutes
February 16, 2009
Members present: Will Patten, Scott Buckingham, Bill Schubart, Will MacKinnon, Sarah Armstrong, Laura Carlsmith, Rolf Kielman
Guests: Curt Carter, GBIC, Alex Weinhagen, Director of Hinesburg Planning and Zoning, Karl Bohlem, Hinesburg Resident
Meeting convened at 5:30 PM
1. Minutes from the prior meeting of 02/2/2009 prepared by Alex Weinhagen were approved.
2. Vision Statement Draft: Members of the committee discussed the Vision Statement Draft distributed in advance of the meeting. Diverse array of uses discussed with priority on agricultural related production/distribution activities, reflective of Hinesburg’s farming history. Some felt that this exclusive use could be limiting and that other uses should not be excluded. Bill Schubart to revise the vision statement for next meeting.
3. Determining development direction/controls of the Saputo Site: Discussion focused on the tools necessary to constructively influence and direct the use of the Saputo Site and potentially, directly adjacent sites such as the Town lands to the south of the site. Interim zoning, first right of refusal, modifications to zoning requirements, use of grant funding, purchase of the site by a public entity such as the Hinesburg Land Trust were discussed.
Saputo plans to work with potential buyers on any necessary brownfield assessments, and is not interested in having the Town facilitate the completion of one at this time.
The VT Community Foundation rejected our $5,000 grant application for their “Special and Urgent Needs” program. Our application for their “Successful Communities” grant program is still pending.
4. Work Plan: Three work plan “tracks” were set before the committee by the co-chairs. These were:
Business Plan: develop a compelling economic model for the development of all 15+ acres (Bill Schubart to coordinate)
Design: develop a graphic master plan that illustrates the vision and gains broad support for the project. (Rolf Kielman to coordinate)
Site Design and Legal: Manage relationships with Saputo, state, regional and local government, GBIC, formation of legal entity.(Will Patten to coordinate)
5. Education: discussion centered on the process of educating the committee by engaging with potential partners, advisers, prospective tenants and other persons with experience in this area. Various individuals and entities were identified and committee members assigned to call/discuss with these individuals. Information gleaned to be discussed at our next meeting. Public Hearing date also under discussion.
Meeting adjourned at 7 PM. Next meeting on Monday, March 2, 2009.
Respectfully submitted by: Rolf Kielman