HomeMy WebLinkAboutDraft Minutes - Natural Resources & Conservation Committee - 08/07/2024NATURAL RESOURCES & CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
The South Burlington NRCC held a regular meeting on Wednesday August 07, 2024, at 6:04 pm, in
Room 301, 180 Market Street and by GoToMeeting remote participation
Members present: D. Wheeler, City Liaison; J. Chaulot, Chair; J. Bossange; K. Boyk; J. Keene; L.
Yankowski, M. Korpos
Public attendees: R. Doyle, R. Greco and F. McDonald
1. Mr. Chaulot welcomed everyone and Mr. Wheeler reviewed emergency procedures.
2. No additions, deletions or changes to the agenda.
3. Comments from the public.
1. Mrs. Greco inquired about the city owned Ash trees on her street that are slated to be cut
down due to the Emerald Ash Borer which has been identified in South Burlington. Some of
the neighbors were asking if they could adopt a tree and they would cover treatment costs.
Mr. Chaulot reminded the group that many of the trees selected to be removed were done so
because they are compromised- there had been some planted without the wire basket around
the root ball being removed. Mr. Doyle inquired if the tress had been rated . Craig
Lambert, the city arborist, did do an assessment selecting the healthiest trees for treatment.
Mr. Wheeler will check to see if the neighbor adoption plan is a viable option.
4. City Updates.
1. 2 trees were removed outside the CSWD site. They were infected with the ash borer.
2. December/January, with help from a new vendor- the city is launching an updated website.
The site is expected to be user friendlier and similar to sites used by other municipalities.
Mr. Wheeler reminded us we have a page on the city site where we can post information,
articles, events, etc. Ms Yankowski commented that we should already have some items on
the current site.
3. Chittenden County forester, Ethan Tapper, has written a book. The SB Library is asking if
the NRCC would help to co-host an event to present the book to the public. Probably
sometime in December or January.
4. The water ordinance has been approved. Specific language was included for “special
cases”. The city had been checking into the rates charged to Queen City Park residents.
They have their own water system but are on city sewage lines. They do not have water
meters and are currently charged a flat rate for sewage. QCP residents may be paying more
than others. Trying to install meters may not be practical in some homes due to the lack of
basements on many of the dwellings.
5. We need to select a date for our October meeting since it falls on a holiday. The committee
will decide on a better date via email.
6. The NRCC will have a public meeting for two VTrans (VT Agency of Transportation)
funded projects. SB also received a grant from CCRPC (Chittenden County Regional
Planning) to assess and upgrade culverts. Culvert washout has been a big issue this year in
this region.
5. The city has received 3 proposals for the Open Space Consultant. SEGroup had previously done
the plan for Hubbard Park. Weston & Sampson are park focused being an engineering firm.
CRO Planning & Design has a member who came from SE Group. Their proposal mentions
working with groups/committees. Adam Matth & Silken Kershner are expected before the city
council around August 19, with their recommendations. The NRCC is hoping to meet with the
consultant(s) in October.
6. Discussion of documents submitted to the Planning Commission regarding tree regulations in
the LDRs.
1. The Planning Commission has not gotten to our recommendations yet. Mr. Wheeler noted
all of the other work that the PC was busy with, while Mr. Bossange is concerned the time
involved and our suggestions will disappear with time delays. Mr. Keene reminded the
group that Mr. Smith, our city council liaison, is supposed to be trying to get this pushed
ahead to Planning. It has been suggested it be reviewed and enhanced before going to the
city level. In the meantime- Mr. Wheeler will reach back out to Kelsy in Planning for an
update while Mr. Chaulot will reach out to Mr. Smith with help from Mr. Bossange.
7. Sections of the LDRs the NRCC may want to review.
1. Mrs. Greco inquired if the LDRs define wildlife corridors. Discussion ensued and Mr.
Doyle stated the habitat blocks were removed when maps were updated. But some of this
information seems to be in the water service area maps. Ms Yankowski suggested the
information should be available with studies that have been conducted by groups at UVM,
the state, the Arrowwood Group. We need to check the various resources at our disposal and
review this topic in the future.
2. Natural Resource Regulations Map Viewer (arcgis.com) shows wildlife overlays
8. City Ordinances the NRCC may want to review.
1. Possibly noise- we need to check and see what already exists. Noise can impact the
environment and wildlife in negative ways if allowed.
9. Review of DRB submissions.
1. We did not see anything currently we should be concerned about.
10. Member updates and reports.
1. CAD (Common Area for Dogs Committee) is looking for new members and our chair is
stepping down due to family issues. The NRCC is also looking for new committee
members.
2. The Land Trust has a new bench honoring Sarah Dopp at Wheeler Park. Sarah was very
involved with the VT Land Trust and SB Land Trust. She was a longstanding South
Burlington resident.
11. Other business.
1. Black Rock will be able to build – but they need to purchase the land first. Mr. Bossange
and others near him have been fighting this.
2. Burton Snowboards has backed out of letting High Ground Music Venue move into their
building on Queen City Park Rd opposite Central Ave. in SB. Queen City Park residents
along with nearby Burlington residents were fighting this venue due to noise concerns,
traffic concerns across a one-lane bridge and possible after concert partying in Red Rocks
Park.
3. Mr. Doyle questioned view corridors and LDRs. We may want to see what protections are
in place.
OUR NEXT MEETING IS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 04, at 6:00pm'.
Adjourned 8:00 PM