Conservation Commission

Montpelier Conservation Commission Minutes January 8, 2015 Attendees: Shawn White, Ben Eastwood, John Fox, Jim Murphy, Geoff Beyer, Jon Anderson (Planning Commission), James Brady (candidate), John Jose (candidate), Roy Schiff  Zoning updates o Planning Commission looking for dense urban core, HD-residential mix (fair walk), MD-residential mix (more than fair walk) [suburban], less density in rural zones. o Focus on two aspects  More density  Better design to get density increase o Invite MCC comments o Perhaps a map is needed  Wetlands  Streams  Steep slopes  Vernal pools  Parks and future trails (see Greenprint) o Looking for widespread buy-in from City Council and others o Montpelier would like smart growth and we need good zoning to do that. o MCC requests that the Planning Commission revisit needs in terms of natural resources and put in request for us for information. We can revisit target resource maps.  Rumor of Park Impact fee going away. Important contributor to resource protection. Consider enabling statute in zoning.  Candidates for open seats on the Commission o Renewals for Hilke and Eastwood anticipated. o One full-time seat open and two alternates open. Five candidates. o Two candidates attended meeting and gave short introduction.  James Brady, VTrans Environmental  John Jose, Teacher, Orca Media, herpetology  Budget update o ~$14,000 in budget now. $35,000 in conservation fund o Reviewed project plans  $3,250 Parks and Conservation VISTA  $5,000 wetlands map update  Tree grate $2,600  May be better for DPW or Tree Board  Food and Fresh Air Festival   Others? o Parcels around park possible for conservation  Geoff to make contact with landowners.  Commission to visit.  North Branch Buffer Plantings o Help with labor o Get groups involved.  One Taylor o Need update o Seems like City did not consider MCC recommendations and many from the public comment.  MCC Mission / Charge. See updated text under separate document and forward comments to Roy.  Conservation Survey summary sheets edited. Finals to be reviewed at next meeting.  Approved minutes from October, November, and December.