City Council

To be approved at 04-23-19 Barre City Council Meeting Special Meeting of the Barre City Council Held April 17, 2019 The Regular Meeting of the Barre City Council was called to order by Mayor Lucas Herring at 6:00 PM at Barre City Hall. In attendance were: From Ward I, Councilor John Steinman; and from Ward II, Councilors Michael Boutin and Teddy Waszazak. Also present were Manager Steve Mackenzie, Clerk Carol Dawes, Planning Director Janet Shatney, and Zoning Administrator Heather Grandfield. Absent: From Ward I, Councilor Jeffrey Tuper-Giles; and from Ward III, Councilors John LePage and Rich Morey. Adjustments to the Agenda: NONE New Business – A) Public Input Hearing on the Zoning Ordinance Changes. Planning Director Janet Shatney distributed copies of the updated change matrix, which tracks comments, questions and concerns that have been raised during the Planning Commission’s development process. Ms. Shatney said comments received yesterday from Barre Area Development Corporation executive director Joel Schwartz have been incorporated, along with responses from consultant Brandy Saxton. City property owner Jon Valsangiacomo said his family owns a large parcel of land in the City. He said they are concerned about proposed changes to zoning on the parcel that would alter the location of a residentially-zoned area within the parcel. They are also concerned about additional restrictions placed on development within areas that are zoned conservation, as most of the parcel bears that designation. There was discussion on the proposed changes, the impact on the family’s plans for the property, and options for leaving the current zoning in place. Former Mayor Thom Lauzon said the proposed zoning would disallow expansion of existing businesses in his Metro Way complex. He said the City has adopted interim zoning in the past, and encouraged the Council to do so again with regards to allowing tiny house development on Brook Street and the installation of an internally lit sign at Spaulding High School so as not to delay those planned projects. He requested a 60 day review period during which the public can present additional questions and comments to the Planning Commission for consideration in the final document. There was discussion on limitations placed on agricultural use and environmental waste handling, and restrictions on manufacturing in the general business district. Barre Area Development Corporation board president Sarah Field said BADC is in the process of rolling out a significant marketing campaign for the Barre area, and the proposed zoning revisions would have a chilling effect on development. Ms. Field said the current draft allows little flexibility, and she supports a 60 day review period. There was discussion on timelines for adoption of the draft zoning ordinances, options for delaying adoption or allowing additional review time, and outreach efforts to engage the public. Mayor Herring summarized the discussion by saying at next week’s Council meeting the Council will send the draft zoning ordinances back to the Planning Commission for them to review and respond to additional comments. Those interested in submitting comments must do so in writing by May 9th. The Planning Commission will work to have its responses back to Council following its May 23rd meeting. The Council will then warn a new 1st reading, with an eye towards adoption of the ordinances by the end of the 150 day timeline as mandated in statute. 1 To be approved at 04-23-19 Barre City Council Meeting Executive Session – NONE The Council meeting adjourned at 9:08 PM on motion of Councilor Boutin, seconded by Councilor Steinman. Motion carried. There is no audio recording of this meeting. Respectfully submitted, Carolyn S. Dawes, City Clerk 2