Local Resources Advisory Board

1/28/2025 - Minutes I. Call to Order Members Present: Matt Shoen, Chair; Doug Johnson; Brian Steinmetz; Sue O’Brien; Britta Tonn City Staff Present: Ravi Venkataraman Guests Present: Call to Order by: Matt Shoen Meeting Start Time: 6:05 pm Minutes Recorded by: Ravi Venkataraman II. Changes to the Agenda None III. Public Comment None IV. Approve Previous Meeting Minutes Doug suggested defining the acronyms in the meeting minutes. Motion by Brian, seconded by Britta, to approve the December meeting minutes with Doug’s suggestion. Voting: unanimous. Motion carried V. Discussion: Update on the Certified Local Government (CLG) Program Application Ravi provided an update on the CLG application—that he has submitted an application package and is working with the State Historic Preservation Office on the next steps. Britta talked about her recent experience on the CLG committee in their review of grant applications for this year. The board discussed possible projects they should apply for grants to support. Brian suggested a study of the status of the City’s churches. The board discussed the signage for the church on Platt Street. VI. Discussion: Design Review Guidelines Matt said that because he started a new job recently, he hasn’t had the time to review design review guidelines in other towns. Matt said that the only guidelines he looked at were Shelburne’s guidelines and that he was concerned about the review of the color of buildings. The board concurred that they wouldn’t want to review the color of buildings. Britta asked about spot zoning. Ravi said that spot zoning could potentially be an issue depending on how strict and restrictive the guidelines and design review regulations are. The board discussed what projects they would like to prioritize after Winooski becomes a Certified Local Government. Consensus was reached that the committee should prioritize a  The board concurred that they wouldn’t want to review the color of buildings. Britta asked about spot zoning. Ravi said that spot zoning could potentially be an issue depending on how strict and restrictive the guidelines and design review regulations are. The board discussed what projects they would like to prioritize after Winooski becomes a Certified Local Government. Consensus was reached that the committee should prioritize a survey of historic structures first and then the development of design review guidelines. Britta asked if a public process is needed for the development of design review guidelines. Matt said that there was a public process in the development of St. Albans’s guidelines. Sue asked why the board was discussing design review guidelines in the first place. Ravi explained that the regulations do not provide enough guidance to applicants on how to build projects in conformance with the historic nature of Winooski. Board members said that they needed to be more familiar with the requirements in the regulations. Ravi suggested that the board could work on particular facets, like siding and windows, which would give guidance to the public on the most common types of projects. Sue and Britta asked about requirements for demolitions. Ravi pointed to Section 4.1 of Winooski’s Unified Land Use and Development Regulations which requires Local Resources Advisory Board review before demolition permits can be issued. Board members discussed the status of 53 East Allen Street, and expressed concerns about its status. Board members asked Ravi if anything can be done to protect the integrity of the structure. Ravi said that he will look into it. VII. Discussion: Signage program and other possible initiative programs Sue noted that the Historical Society had received 14 applications for building markers. Sue said that she currently doing research on properties to determine the lineage of residents and histories of the properties and their respective residents over time. Matt acknowledged the importance of recording history for the benefit of the community. Britta said that interpretive signage panels are to be included in the Winooski Bridge project along with public art, that the city’s existing signs could be included in the project and that many of them really just need to be retouched and refurbished. Britta noted that a public process will be included with outreach to stakeholders. Board members asked about the process and timeline. Ravi said that he expected outreach to occur at the tail end of the project based on the project timeline of the Burlington Main Street project with their public art. VIII. Discussion: Adding Alternate Members to the Board Ravi said that adding alternate members is pretty straightforward, and that staff can include recruitment for alternate members when they recruit for members on all boards and committees in the coming months. Doug suggested that the board should reach to someone who restores buildings to be on the board, someone with hands-on experience. IX. City Updates Ravi reviewed recent discussions at the Planning Commission—updates to the zoning regulations related to Act 181 and transportation demand management. X. Other Business N/A XI. Adjourn X. Other Business N/A XI. Adjourn Motion by: Doug Second: Brian Meeting End Time: 8:00