HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Economic Development Committee - 04/26/2021South Burlington Economic Development Committee Monday, April 26, 2021 Draft Minutes
Meeting Called to Order at 5:35 PM Members in attendance; J. Wilking Chair, S. Bowden, Vice Chair, L. Norris, J. West, J. Burton
Others in attendance; K. Dorn, City Manager, M. Mittag, C. Trombly, M. Ostby, J. Louisos, J. Nick
1. Welcome, agenda review and approval No Changes were made in the agenda 2. Public comments on items not on the Agenda
M. Ostby emphasized the importance for the Committee to post its agendas and minutes in a timely manner 3. Discussion with guest Jessica Louisos, Chair, South Burlington Planning
Commission (PC) regarding possible zoning changes on property owned by the Burlington International Airport and possible changes to land use ordinances and environmental protections under Interim Zoning J. Louisos noted the priorities of the Committee as prescribed by the City Council;
to finish up work on the two components of Interim Zoning which are an overhaul of environmental standards and completing work on new Planned Unit Development (PUD) standards.
J. Wilking asked about prospects for addressing requested zoning changes at the
Burlington International Airport, located in South Burlington. J. Louisos indicated she is working on a plan on how a subcommittee or working group could get to work on that issue that she will then present to the PC for consideration.
M. Ostby expressed concern about proposed changes in how the State funds
education indicating it could raise costs to SB taxpayers. The State needs to look at how we can help businesses locate and grow to increase tax base. J. Burton expressed concern about changing environmental standards that will
place more land off limits for development such as larger buffers around wetlands
and new restrictions on “habitat blocks.” J. Louisos noted that new legislation compels towns/cities to protect habitat.
J. Wilking asked if the changers could lead to legal challenges. J. Louisos stated the PC is cognizant of that issue and is taking steps to ensure that any changes in the LDRs can withstand legal challenge.
J. Burton expressed concern that the new LDRs would drive up the cost of
housing and we will get fewer units. J. Louisos stated the PC is looking at different types of PUDs so that it doesn’t necessarily mean there will be fewer units.
J. West asked if the LDR changes would be permanent. J. Louisos explained that
some of the changes are already partially implemented and that it is a community call on protecting the environment. J. Wilking feels more study needs to go into the impact of the proposed changes
on tax capacity and that a tax impact statement should be done prior to voting on
the package of changes. 4. Update and discussion related to Federal funds under the Recovery Act that will be coming to South Burlington
K. Dorn stated the City is projected to receive $5.4 million from the Recovery Act the first half of which should arrive in early summer and the second half by the end of the year. The rules have not yet been written by the Federal Government on how the funds can be invested so there is no way to provide detail at this time.
5. Status of South Burlington property re-appraisal. K. Dorn stated that both the City of South Burlington and the City of Burlington are currently going through reappraisals and both are using the same contractor.
The City of Burlington recently made a change in how they would present
information to their community and that has set the roll-out of South Burlington’s new property values back two weeks. The values should be announced in mid-May with a two-week appeal process to follow. K. Dorn stated the new approved values should be in the Grand List before July 1, when the FY ’22 tax rate needs
to be set.
6. Status update on CCRPC I-89 Corridor Study K. Dorn briefed on the 3-2 vote by the Council to recommend a new I-89 Exit 12
B for further study by the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission. M.
Mittag stated that the Planning Commission endorsed one of the options for Exit 13 for several reasons. C. Trombly said the Affordable Housing Committee supports the option that is best to build the economy. S. Bowden said whatever
option is chosen we need to get solidly behind it if we hope that it will eventually be built.
7. Other Business There was no other business to come before the Committee.
8. Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 7:03 PM