TOWN OF HINESBURG

PLANNING COMMISSION

MEETING MINUTES
January 13, 2010

Approved February 10, 2010

Commission Members Present: Tom Ayer, Carrie Fenn, Fred Haulenbeek, Joe Iadanza, Tim Clancy, Will Patten, Johanna White, Jean Isham

Commission Members Absent: Ashley Orgain.

Also Present: Alex Weinhagen (Director of Planning and Zoning), Mary Seemann (Recording Secretary), Peter Erb. Ned Swanberg (VT Environmental Analyst), Gretchen Alexander, Rob Evans, Andrea Morgante

Jean Isham called the meeting to order at 7:30pm.

Flood hazard regulation revision (Zoning, Article 6):

Ned Swanberg (VT Environmental Analyst) gave a slide show discussing flood and Fluvial Erosion areas. He spoke about FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), and flood plains. He wants to make sure Hinesburg stays current with all conditions for continued participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Passed out printed map of flood areas

Information on National Flood Insurance

Gave slide show of floods and erosion

He discussed that the flood plains are useful for:

Storage and flood water movements through the years

Forestry, reliable water power

Ground water recharge

Water quality protection

Soil development

Wildlife habitation

Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) information is available in pdf doc, as is GIS data or folding maps.

He discussed that his deadline for completing all need requirements is March 2010, but this is just a guideline. It was discussed that 22 dwellings in Hinesburg are in the flood risk area. It was also discussed that DFIRM and Fluvial erosion hazard areas do not capture:

Worst case flood scenario

Dam breach

Ice/Debris jams

Impacts of infrastructure failure

Dynamic adjustments

Ned discussed that water (lakes and streams) have a habit of meandering that this should be taken into consideration when making any plans as to where the flood areas and fluvial erosion areas are. Some discussion was on the cycle of channel adjustments.

It was discussed that Hinesburg consider reviewing the Model Flood Hazard Bylaws to help make any changes to keep the town current or ahead of any regulations.

Alex stated that Article 6 needs updating to recognize flood and fluvial areas to keep new structures out of these areas.

Ned talked some about FEMA buyout program and monies that are available.

Johanna inquired that if an old house was bought with the idea of restoring how FEMA would handle this in the flood area. This led to a discussion of FEMA/Town buying out the homeowner or use monies allocated for such problems to relocate the structures with the help of FEMA/Town monies.

Rob E interjected a reminder that towns who apply progressive rules get a better response from the government on funding priorities.

Andrea M suggested FEH regs be taken into consideration for a zone to include river FEH line and set backs, and not to allow any new ponds into the erosion/flood areas.

Jean I stated we need input for Planning commission to change regs to comply with Model 4, which seems to work best for Hinesburg.

Tim C suggested not allowing buildings in fluvial area and noting the 50’ (foot) setbacks.

Alex W stated that we already have 75'(foot) setbacks required, and asked if we should lower it to 50'(feet).

Gretchen A explained formulas to accommodate water streams and suggested we stay with the 75’ (feet) we now have.

Fred H asked the question how do you know where the fluvial area ends for the water/streams. Peter suggested using the ortho photos overlay to help with this.

Alex W showed the map of the FEH area which showed the homes in Creekside that were in the flood area. It was explained by Rob E that the developers come in, put fill in the areas they want and get an okay from FEMA.

Andrea M stated that the culverts on 116 going north and south are too small, perhaps a bigger culvert could be placed there to keep Patrick Brook from overflowing and flooding Route116.

Some discussion on Model 4. Everyone agreed that a 200’ (foot) span across Patrick Brook for the potential future west side road would be too costly.

Andrea M asked what are we setting ourselves up for, maybe revise road but study the economic benefits first. The group discussed going forward with the west side road project with allowances to use some fill in the flood hazard area.

The area north of Creekside was pointed out as a recreational area use was worth investigating and perhaps ask the public for ideas before investigation begins.

Alex asked the panel if they would like to move forward with Model 4 and Jean asked if anyone opposes Model 4, a vote was taken and all agreed as long as the West side Road plan was not taken off the table.

Jean asked that the Flood Hazard /FEH regulations be put on the agenda for the next meeting on January 27, 2010. It was agreed by all.

Minutes of the December 9, 2009 meeting:

Jean pointed out that on the December 9, 2009 minutes that page 3, first full paragraph the word “can” needs to be removed. Joe I asked George if the first word needed to be “What”.

A motioned was made to accept the minutes with the changes and Joe I seconded. The motion passed 8-0

Other Business:

Planning Budget: Budgeting issues were then discussed and Alex W stated the reason for some cuts was that the Grand List expected to increase and the Select Board wanted to avoid an increase in the tax rate. All planning projects for the upcoming year were cut by the Select Board. Alex W stated that the town does have monies in reserve for a backup but saves this for emergencies.

Town Plan Revision:

Peter talked about the energy plan and his concern about addressing the vehicle emissions which is a big energy problem. More cars are going through the town and that makes the air quality suspect for clean air. He said this is tied to land use and development in the rural parts of Hinesburg. He advocated for limiting new growth in our rural areas to help decrease energy use.

Tim C said that the 30mph speed limit was not helpful in the traffic flow that the light by Lantman’s stays red too long allowing the cars to idle, thus producing more carbon monoxide, which pollutes the air. Joe I agreed and said that the light does not have to run all night. He suggested that after 8pm, when rush hour is over it should be a blinking light.

Alex W stated that there is a position on the Planning Board to replace Ashley Orgain. Names should be submitted to the Board as soon as possible.

Tim C moved to close the meeting, Joe I seconded the motion. The meeting ended at 9:50pm

Respectfully submitted:

Mary Seemann

Recording Secretary