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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 01/29/1990CITY COUNCIL 29 JANUARY 1990 A joint meeting of the South Burlington City Council and Planning Commission was held of Monday, 29 January 1990, at 7:30 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street. Members Present City Council: Paul Farrar, Chairman, John Dinklage, James Condos, Michael Flaherty, William Cimonetti Planning Commission: William Burgess, Mary-Barbara Maher, Catherine Peacock, David Austin, Ann Pugh, William Craig Also Present Charles Hafter, City Manager; Joe Weith, City Planner, Vince Bolduc, Jane Milner, Terry Sheahan, William Schuele, Barbara Bull, Charles Shea, Southeast Quadrant Committee; Sid Poger, The Other Paper; Michael Schaal, Peter Cole. Ralph Goodrich, P. Costello, Chris Cavin, John Jewett, William Wessel, Robert Zimmerman, Alec Tuscany, John Steele 1. Presentation of South Burlington Planning Study, Phase II by T. J. Boyle & Associates Mr. Steele made some preliminary remarks which indicated that they felt it was critical to map the wetlands in conjunction with state experts. They also feel the old quarry has the potential for a park area. As in their previous study, they have suggested 3 possible development scenarios, a development plan, a resource plan, and a conservation plan. The development plan would leave about 180 acres open for agriculture/open space. The border with Shelburne would be one of those areas in conjunction with Shelburne's preference and zoning. The resource plan would increase open land to 400 acres. The conservation plan would leave about 650 acres open and would result in only about 40% of the total area developed. Mr. Steele presented a slide exhibit of the area, showing wetlands, soils, developable areas, etc. The report recommends a "home business overlay district" concept to protect the arterial character of Hinesburg Rd/Dorset St. and to keep them limited access corridors. Further development on those roads would be accessed by a parallel road instead of new curb cuts on those roads. Types of businesses allowed would be non-commercial enterprises that would not grow beyond a family business concept. Mrs. Maher said she felt it would be a political disaster to propose that now in the city. Concern was voiced that landowners of the properties under study were not notified of this presentation. Question was also raised as to the timeframe of proposed development. Mr. Farrar estimated 20-30 years, assuming the demand is constant. He also noted a TDR system would be considered as a means of assuring equity. Mr. Schaal said he appreciated the quality of the presentation but found the recommendations appalling. He was concerned for the quality of lives of people and felt they would not be enhanced by any of the proposed scenarios. Mr. Dinklage raised the question of a public golf course as a possible way to keep land open and beautifully maintained. Mr. Farrar said the Planning Commission will use the report to update the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Weith noted the Commission hopes to give the Council the rewritten master plan by August or September. Mr. Dinklage felt the report was a valuable planning tool and contained some gems of creative ideas. Mr. Goodrich said he didn't agree with industrial layout. Mr. Wessel said he would like to see the Muddy Brook corridor expanded to a park zone, noting it is already a zone. He felt it would be very scenic for hiking, cross-country skiing, etc. 2. Discussion of Transportation Management Organizations (TMO's) Craig Leiner outlined the TMO concept as a means of getting the private sector involved in a public problem. He noted he has been working with planners to advise on potential developments, especially in the Shelburne Rd. corridor. When the L & M development came to him, he felt it might be a way to look at a broader view: how can mobility be increased other than just continually widening roads. He feels a TMO program might work with the L & M situation. He noted the TMO program was stipulated as a condition of L & M's preliminary approval. There are legal and practical concerns including monitoring, what if it doesn't work, etc. Mr. Leiner said he is now getting "nuts and bolts" information (bylaws, funding, staffing, etc.) Programs have a success history ranging from not much to good, reducing traffic as much as 15-20%. He felt success would depend on levels of interest and commitment of the community and developers. One limitation in the S. Burlington area would be the lack of a parking management component. Mr. Leiner indicated he would talk with CCTA on their possible involvement. The basic plan would be to establish a private, non-profit organization with a Board of Directors comprised of people in the Shelburne Rd. corridor who have an interest in seeing the plan work. The organization would hire a transporation coordinator. L & M has committed for 18 months of funding. Mr. Leiner noted he will try to pitch the plan as a Shelburne Rd. TMO to eventually include Shelburne & Burlington. Mr. Flaherty expressed disappointment that the proposals include such things as car pooling which have not worked in the past. Members of the Council felt they would like to hear more from Mr. Leiner when he has additional details. Mrs. Maher expressed concern with the workload of the City Planner and asked what help might be given to him. Mr. Dinklage noted that there is a proposal for assistant to the Planner in the current budget. Executive Session John Dinklage moved entering into executive session to discuss Dorset Street Litigation and Contract Negotiations. Jim Condos seconded. Approved unanimously. Regular Session Bill Cimonetti moved to return to regular session, Jim Condos seconded. Approved unanimously. Greer Agreement Mike Flaherty moved that having reviewed the Greer agreement the Council finds it is in substantial accord with the agreement approved on November 15, 1989 and authorized the Council Chairman to sign the agreement. Jim Condos seconded. Approved unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 11:35 PM. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.