Minutes of Grand Isle Planning Commission November 18, 2014

Town of Grand Isle Minutes of Planning Commission November 7, 2017

Board Members Present: Shawn Mercy, Chair David Graham, Vice-Chair Dwight Bullis Andy Paradee Jeff Parizo Melissa Boutin

Absent:

Guests: Catherine Dimitruk, NRPC

A. Meeting is called to order at 7:03PM by Shawn Mercy, Chair.

B. Removal of agenda items: No removals necessary

C. Guest(s): Catherine Dimitruk, NRPC – present this evening with no one particular topic but has read the minutes on-line. There seems to be some disappointment from the Planning Commission with regard to help from Northwest Regional Planning Commission on a few projects. Dwight Bullis mentions the Capital Budget Plan and Shawn Mercy expressed the consensus of PC. In summary, Bethany Remmers presented a Capital Budget Plan for Grand Isle which mostly appeared to be a “copy & paste” from the Town of Highgate. Grand Isle has received help conducting and finishing the culvert inventory. Brad Sheridan of the Highway Department speaks very highly of Bethany Remmers. She has been a tremendous help with that projects and obtaining grants. The Bylaw updates have not been easy to update either. Seems to be a lack of communication perhaps. E-raf has been in the works for nearly three years. Jeff Parizo began working on this in 2015 when becoming the Zoning Administrator. Chittenden County Regional Planning when contacted previously has been very responsive with any outreach even though outside of the district. Ultimately there needs to be a better way to get information back and forth. Email hasn’t worked from the PC side of things. NWRPC will be sure to obtain a current contact list with the best form of contact.

Catherine inquires about the plans of the Planning Commission. 1) Revised Bylaws are in the hands of the Select Board. Public hearing is scheduled for 12/04/17. 2) Working on updating numbers for the Capital Budget Plan. 3) Talking about implanting impact fees. Catherine stresses the importance of separate accounts – funds for infrastructure only 4) Highway department in need of new building 5) Layout of property surrounding current town office building – community center – Catherine interested in helping – ideas need to put pen to paper and gather public input

Shawn asks Catherine if she is aware of anything coming down the pike. Water quality regulations are mentioned. Although she has not looked at the school specifically, they need to have three acres of impervious surface for storm water. Should any improvements need to be made, expenses to correct are the responsibility of the property owner. Town Plan adopted February 2017 not due again for another eight years. Shawn and other PC members inquire about expanding the village district designation. There is some confusion about the approval process. Catherine explains the town can expand on its own and does not need approval from the State of Vermont to do so.

Catherine is thanked for her time and attendance at this evening’s meeting.

D. Review & Approve Minutes: 10//17/17 – A motion is made by Jeff Parizo to accept the minutes. The motion is seconded by David Graham. Members vote. Andy Paradee abstains due to his absence. All others are in favor. Motion carried.

E. Capital Budget Worksheet: Melissa distributes a scaled down version of capital outlays, updated tables and tax rates. She expressed this is a working document. These items need to be worked into the word document. Linda is on vacation and will coordinate upon her return. Jeff mentions the Town of Grand Isle has the ability to use the buying power of the State of Vermont when purchasing large items. Discussed visiting the Highgate garage with Brad to get a vision and numbers for a new highway building. Hope to have for the 11/21/17 meeting. The Library struggles with their need for a larger space. Shawn believes the current fire station can be retro fit for about $500K.

F. Other Meeting Attendance: 1) VLCT on-site workshop presented by Sarah Jarvis, Staff Attorney included open meeting laws, municipal land use and roles and responsibilities. It was from 7 – 9 PM and well done. Those that were present expressed the time was well spent, the two hours were full and all walked away having learned something. 2) Planning/Zoning Forum also put on by VLCT was essentially six hours that could not get back. On a positive note, food was good and although variances are almost impossible to meet, “waivers” can be issued. 3) Recreation Committee is looking to obtaining more land from the State of Vermont on Donaldson Road. The property can only be used for recreation purposes. The current Recreation Committee has a vision for cross country running, tennis courts, pickle and bocce ball, soccer and lacrosse fields as well as an expanded parking area.

G. Matters not on the Posted Agenda: N/A

H. Agenda for next meeting on November 21, 2017: Removal of agenda items Guest(s): Grand Isle Library Trustees Capital Budget Worksheet Highway Department Building – Site Visit Review & Approve 11/07/17 Update from any other meeting attendance Other Items Adjournment

The next meeting of the Commission is scheduled to be held 7PM on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at the Town Office.

A motion is made by Dwight Bullis to adjourn. The motion is seconded by David Graham. Members vote. All are in favor. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned by Shawn Mercy at 8:37 PM.

Respectfully Submitted: Melissa A. Boutin, Planning Commission, Scribe