Essex Conservation Committee 81 Main Street Essex Junction, VT Minutes for January 14, 2014

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1 81 Main Street Essex Junction, VT Minutes for January 14, 2014 Conservation Committee (CC) Members Present: Peter Hess, Chairman; Brian Cote; Chuck Vile Absent: n/a Trails Committee: Mark Paulsen, Chairman; Kevin Macy; Shawn Folley Staff Present: Greg Duggan, Town Planner; Josh Gauthier, Recreation Program Coordinator Members of the Public: Dan Stein (12 Briar Lane, Essex Junction) Meeting called to order at 7:05 p.m. Agenda Items: 1. Development Review: (with Trails Committee) The Miller Realty Group, LLP Allen Martin Drive Site Plan Amendment (Planning Commission on Jan. 23, 2014): Site plan and boundary adjustment, proposal to re-route the sewer line and clarify access. No comment from committee members. Lone Oak Essex, LLC 32 Thompson Drive Site Plan Amendment (Planning Commission on Jan. 23, 2014): Proposal to relocate parking spaces and other minor site improvements. No comment from committee members. M&B Properties 3 Bushey Lane Site Plan Amendment (Planning Commission on Jan. 23, 2014): Proposal to install emergency generator. No comment from committee members. Essex Mini Storage Company 15 Morse Drive Site Plan Amendment (Planning Commission on Jan. 23, 2014): Proposal to install emergency generator. No comment from committee members. Allen Feeley & Nathan Makay d/b/a Essex Family Dental 11 Markey Place Site Plan Amendment (Planning Commission on Jan. 23, 2014): Proposal to increase the approved building addition size from 4,376 sq. ft. to 5,435 sq. ft., a parking lot expansion with new lighting, and landscaping changes. Committee members noted potential use of Eastern Hemlock on landscaping plan, concern was raised due to the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid. Recommend that Chuck review and approve the final landscape plan as a condition of approval. Al Senecal d/b/a LNP, Inc. 9 Joshua Way Final/Site Plan Amendment (Planning Commission on Jan. 23, 2014): Proposal to increase the previously approved 13,500 sq. ft. 30-unit congregate housing building to a 20,176 sq. ft. 50-unit congregate housing building and add an additional 30 parking spaces. A boundary line adjustment also proposed to increase the property size by 2 acres to allow 20-unit increase in density. Concerns with storm water runoff were raised due to potential discharges to the storm water impaired Sunderland Brook. The location of a trail easement also discussed. Verizon Wireless 123 Old Colchester Road (Planning Commission on Jan. 23, 2014): Presentation to Town to satisfy Public Service Board requirement. 1

2 The Committees split Work Plan: Committee members discussed and finalized work plan for Tasks include First Detector Program with the UVM Extension including training in the spring, development of a fall Essex Clean Up day similar to Green Up Day in the spring, as well as the development of a management plan should the Saxon Hill land be conveyed to the Town based on the results of the upcoming Town vote. Discussed outreach to landowners who qualify for the State or Town Current Use Programs, including a survey of properties that qualify and potentially reach out to the property owners to discuss the program and gauge interest. Also plan to continue discussing ideas and strategies for forming conservation fund or land trust. Existing tree inventory in the Village, and how that might be expanded to include the Town. Discussed how the CC might be able to team with the Essex Heart & Soul to collaborate on some of the planned work tasks for st Detector Program: Committee members discussed what the program through the UVM Extension is designed to do, and also discussed the training planned for spring (June 7 th, rain date June 8 th ). Space has been reserved at the Essex High School for up to 50 people. Field sites to be scouted by Chuck, potentially at the Essex Tree Farm or Indian Brook. 1 st Detector Program primarily designed to educate on how to detect invasive species, including the Emerald Ash Borer, Hemlock Wolly Adelgid, and the Asian Longhorned Beetle, and strategies for combating the invasive once they are found. Also discussed ways to spread the word about the training, including Front Porch Forum, the Essex Reporter, and the Association of Vermont Conservation Commissions (AVCC). 4. Search for New Members: Committee members discussed strategies for filling two vacancies on the committee. Discussed placing an ad in the next Heart & Soul newsletter, posting notices on Front Porch Forum, placing an ad in the Essex Reporter on a quarterly basis, and posting a notice at the library. 5. Minutes: June 11, 2013, September 10, 2013, October 8, 2013, November 12, 2013 and December 10, 2014: Meeting minutes for September, November, and December were approved by unanimous consent. June and October meeting minutes to be approved at a future meeting. 6. Other Business: Committee members reviewed and discussed newsletters from the Vermont Land Trust (VLT) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC). Also discussed how the CC could collaborate on work tasks for 2014, especially developing a conservation fund or land trust, and starting a fall Green Up Day. Discussed the potential for a FY15 proposal and the Annual Report. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Next meeting is February 11,

3 81 Main Street Essex Junction, VT Minutes for February 11, 2014 Conservation Committee (CC) Members Present: Pete Hess, Chairman Others Present: Greg Duggan, Town Planner; Tom Furland, Essex Planning Commission; Daniel Stein No quorum

4 81 Main Street Essex Junction, VT Minutes of March 11, 2014 Conservation Committee (CC) Members Present: Chuck Vile, Peter Hess, and Brian Cote Absent: n/a Trails Committee: Mark Paulsen, Kevin Macy, Shawn Folley Staff Present: Greg Duggan and Josh Gauthier Members of the Public: Tom Furland (Planning Commission), Jaysen Dickinson, Daniel Stein Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. Agenda Items: 1. Development Review: (with Trails Committee) AT&T Wireless Indian Brook Road (Planning Commission on Mar. 13, 2014): presentation to Town to satisfy Public Service Board (PSB) requirement. Question was raised why so many cell towers being proposed recently. Mention was made of upcoming changes in regulations in July, where approval will be required at the Town level rather than just through the PSB. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters & The Miller Realty Group, LLP 30 Gauthier Drive Site Plan Amendment (Planning Commission on Mar. 13, 2014): Proposal to relocate existing loading dock canopy lighting to the building s façade. No comment from committee members. Aristotle Souliotis d/b/a Vermont Donut Enterprises IV, LLC & John Tosini d/b/a Secatogue Realty, LLCk 2 Carmichael Street Site Plan Amendment Public Hearing (Planning Commission on Mar. 13, 2014): Proposal to change sign and other minor changes to the façade of Unit #1. The TC questioned where the right-of-way was located. No additional comment from committee members. Joe Rotunda & Estate of Leo & Theresa Gauthier 19 Gauthier Drive Site Plan Public Hearing (Planning Commission on Mar. 13, 2014): Proposal to construct an 11,840 sq. ft. mixed use building for an auto repair shop, office space, and warehouse / storage. Committee members discussed the need of an Environment Assessment, and endangered species found on the site, area found to be fenced during construction. Also comments and concerns raised regarding the potential for oil/radiator/grease spills on site. Al Senecal d/b/a LNP, Inc. & Gabe Handy d/b/a DDH-GSH Trust 9 Joshua Way Boundary Line Adjustment Public Hearing (Planning Commission on Mar. 23, 2014): Proposal to modify boundary line between the property at 9 Joshua Way and 241 Pearl Street. Boundary Line Adjustment linked to the proposal to increase the previously approved 30-unit congregate housing building at 9 Joshua Way to a 50-unit congregate housing building and add an additional 30 parking spaces. The boundary line adjustment needed to allow 20-unit increase in density. Concerns with storm water runoff were raised due to potential discharges to the storm water impaired Sunderland Brook. The location of a trail easement also discussed. 1

5 2. Update on Saxon Hill rezoning proposal & sand extraction appeal: (with Trails Committee) TC and CC members updated on the status of the Saxon Hill rezoning and sand extraction appeal after the proposed changes to the Town Plan relating to the RPD-I were voted against at the latest Town vote. Discussed the need to update the Town Plan, which was last updated in 2011 and must be updated every 5 years. Town staff will begin working on updates scheduled for Likely changes to the Town Plan were discussed, such as the addition of Conservation Subdivision regulations, additions to include Flood Resiliency as mandated by the State, as well as potential changes related to the Growth Areas and the Town Center. The Committees split Work Plan: Committee members continued work to finalize work plan for Final planning and preparation for the upcoming First Detector Program training to take place in the coming weeks. Training event to be hosted at the Essex High School on June 7 th. Chuck will locate examples of both Ash and Hemlock close by to the high school. Discussed advertising on the Town s website, in the Essex Reporter, and on Front Porch Forum. Also discussed preparing an Invasive Species Management Plan to include plants and insects. Committee members continued planning for late summer / early fall Clean Up Day in Essex, similar to Green Up Day in the spring. Discussed either September 20 th or 27 th as potential dates for holding the event. 4. AVCC Tiny Grant program: The CC members discussed the requirements to applying for the AVCC Tiny Grant program, the need for matching funds, and what the grant funds can be used for. Discussed applying for the grant to help cover the cost of obtaining trash bags, potential refreshments at a drop off location, and disposal of the trash collected. Town staff to investigate further. 5. Search for New Members: Jaysen Dickinson explained that he was sitting before the Selectboard on Monday March 17 th to formally join the CC. Committee members discussed strategies for filling the final vacancy, including more postings on Front Porch Forum and posting a notice at the library. 6. Conservation Fund and Land Trust discussion: Committee members continued discussions about exploring options to develop a conservation fund. The conservation fund could be used for matching funds for grants or for local conservation projects. Committee members agreed that a good strategy would be to brainstorm to develop a list of projects in hopes of forming a conservation fund. No update regarding a local Land Trust in Essex was available. The last update received was that funding was being sought for legal fees to start land trust.. 7. Minutes: June 11, 2013, October 8, 2013, January 14, 2014, February 11, 2014: Meeting minutes for October and February were approved by unanimous consent. June and January meeting minutes to be approved at a future meeting. 2

6 8. Other Business: Committee members discussed the Water Quality Caucus and #SaveOurAsh promotion posted online through the Association of Vermont Conservation Commissions group. CC members also discussed the Current Use Program available Statewide and in Essex. Committee members discussed developing an informational sheet to give to landowners that qualify for the programs. Town staff to provide the CC with the number of parcels that are currently enrolled in the program as well as the number of parcels that could apply for the program. The Conservation Committee Workshop scheduled for March 31 st was discussed. The Town is offering to pay the entrance fee for any members interested in attending. Committee members to check schedules and get back to Town staff to verify if they were able to attend. Meeting adjourned at 8:50 pm. Next meeting is April 8,

7 81 Main Street Essex Junction, VT Minutes for April 8, 2014 Conservation Committee (CC) Members Present: Pete Hess, Chairman; Jaysen Dickinson Others Present: Greg Duggan, Town Planner; Josh Gauthier, Recreation Program Coordinator; Mark Paulsen, Trails; Sean Folley, Trails; Kevin Macy, Trails; Tom Furland, Essex Planning Commission; Daniel Stein No quorum

8 81 Main Street Essex Junction, VT Minutes for May 13, 2014 Conservation Committee Members Present: Brian Cote; Jaysen Dickinson Others Present: Greg Duggan, Town Planner; Josh Gauthier, Recreation Program Coordinator; Mark Paulsen, Trails Committee; Sean Folley, Trails; Kevin Macy, Trails; Tom Furland, Essex Planning Commission; Daniel Stein; Brian Kinsman; Matt Graf; Eric McCarthy No quorum

9 81 Main Street Essex Junction, VT Minutes of June 10, 2014 Conservation Committee (CC) Members Present: Chuck Vile, Jaysen Dickinson, Matthew Graf, Brian Cote Absent: n/a Trails Committee: Mark Paulsen, Kevin Macy, Shawn Folley, Ruth Leblanc, Eric McCarthy Staff Present: Greg Duggan and Josh Gauthier Members of the Public: Daniel Stein Meeting called to order at 7:05 p.m. Agenda Items: 1. Development Review (with Trails Committee) Boundary Line Adjustment Siegreist, LLC, 4 Colonel Page Road (Lot 2) & Donald & Diane Siegriest Revocable Trust, 167 Old Stage Road (Lot 1) (Planning Commission on June 12, 2014): Proposal to reduce Lot 2 from 4.04 acres to 3.0 acres, and increase Lot 1 from 0.37 acres to 1.41 acres. Existing Lot 1 is non-conforming and will remain non-conforming. No comment from the committee members. Boundary Line Adjustment Robert Pfister, 184 Towers Road & A Johnson Co., LLC, 200 Towers Road (Planning Commission on June 12, 2014): Proposal to reduce the Pfister lot from acres to 9.29 acres, and increase the A. Johnson lot from acres to acres. Discussions were had amongst committee members as to the purpose of the boundary line adjustment, however no purpose is known at this time. No additional comment from committee members. Chris Paya d/b/a 264 Colchester Road, LLC 258 Colchester Road Site Plan Public Hearing (Planning Commission on June 12, 2014): Proposal to re-develop lot for use as an auto repair facility. Town staff explained that the property adjacent to 258 Colchester Road was under a Notice of Violation. Also discussed the potential presence of wetlands on the adjacent parcel and how the proposed re-development at 258 Colchester Road could impact the wetlands. No additional comment from committee members. Kevin & Ann Macy 111, 113 & 115 Center Road Site Plan Amendment (Planning Commission on June 26, 2014): Proposal to add a shed at 113 Center Road, rebuild a barn on existing footprint at 115 Center Road, and improvements to the building and site at 111 Center Road. No comment from committee members. Philip, Louise, Steven & Robert Kolvoord & Dousevicz, Inc. 15 & 21 Upper Main Street Sketch Plan Public Hearing (Planning Commission on June 26, 2014): Proposed 21-lot Planned Unit Development-Residential (PUD-R) to create 34 residential units. Committee members discussed the fact that the development is located in the stormwater-impaired Indian Brook watershed, and how the development could further impact the watershed. The potential for existing and future trail easements on the property were discussed. Given that the proposal is for a PUD-R, conserved land or open 1

10 space is encouraged. Committee members discussed the density of the proposed development in relation to the open space proposed. 2. Trails behind The Essex A site walk is planned for June 11 at the wooded area behind The Essex, where a trail system is proposed on town-owned land. The intention is to discuss potential trail locations and uses, along with potential environmental impacts. Representatives from The Catamount Center, The Essex, TC and CC were to attend the site walk. The committees split. 3. Planning for Essex Clean Up Day in September: Committee members continued work to finalize plan for Essex Clean Up Day in September, Dates proposed are September 20 th or 27 th, likely an afternoon event. CC members discussed advertising strategies. The idea with Essex Clean Up Day is to focus efforts on a pre-designated area and create an event with potentially a guest speaker, refreshments, etc. A focused area would allow for easier collection of garbage bags. 4. Discussion about informing landowners of Use Value Appraisal programs: The CC members continued discussions regarding the Use Value Appraisal program as well as the State Current Use program. Strategies were discussed on how to approach landowners who qualify for the programs. The possibility of developing a survey to send to landowners who are currently enrolled in the program was discussed to gather information about likes/dislikes with the program, future plans to stay in the program, etc. Review of existing land records indicate that there are 10 parcels that are enrolled in the Town s Use Value Appraisal program and 49 parcels that are enrolled in the State s Current Use program. Also discussed how enrollment in the program does require some up-front cost to the landowner in the form of a forest management plan for example. A suggestion was made to plan a site walk hosted by a landowner currently enrolled in the program and invite potential landowners to attend in an effort to inform and educate about the various programs available. CC members asked that Keith Thompson, Chittenden County Forester, attend the July meeting to further discuss the programs. 5. Conservation Fund and Land Trust discussion: No significant advancements to discuss with the Conservation Fund or Land Trust. Committee members discussed drafting a letter to the Selectboard to begin the conversation of starting a conservation fund, given the recent momentum after Heart & Soul, which outlined 6 core values, one of which is thoughtful growth. CC members also discussed the Conservation Subdivision regulations and how they relate to the start of a conservation fund, after discussions were had at a recent PC work shop, where local developers expressed concern with the Conservation Subdivision regulations and suggested that a conservation fund was more appropriate than regulation. CC members also discussed how the idea of a conservation fund has not been supported by the Selectboard in the past. 2

11 6. First Detector Training recap: CC members that attended the First Detector Training on June 7 th provided a recap to the event. Approximately 20 people from around the State with 6 presenters / facilitators attended the training. Topics discussed were split between different invasive species such as the Emerald Ash Borer, Hemlock Wooly Adelgid, and the Asian Longhorned Beetle. Topics discussed also included the transport of firewood, removing all Ash trees in the road right-ofways as a strategy for mitigating the arrival of the Emerald Ash Borer, and developing an Invasive Management Plan. Currently, there is a tree inventory on the major roadways in Essex, mostly in developments, however there are no inventories along rural roadways. CC members discussed how best to update and expand the existing tree inventory in Essex, including windshield surveys, working with utility companies to identify trees along the roadways where utility lines exist, or updating the inventory with volunteers, the CC members, potential college interns, a hired consultant, or some combination. 7. Town Plan notification: Committee members discussed the memorandum from Town Staff asking for assistance and ideas for updating the Town Plan. CC members discussed the timeline for the update and asked which portions of the current Town Plan would be best for CC members to focus on. The current thought is to try and reduce the size of the document by using appendices and referring to other documents, however a more comprehensive update to the Town Plan may have to been planned for 2021 given current time constraints. 8. Minutes: June 11, 2013, January 14, 2014, March 11, 2014, April 8, 2014, May 13, 2014: Meeting minutes for June, January, March, April, and May were approved by unanimous consent. 9. Other Business: Committee members discussed tree planting opportunities on VT Route 15 between Old Stage Road and Essex Way. One location was selected as a viable spot for a new street tree. Chuck to work with Public Works on tree species and planting location. A vacancy on the CC remains, members discussed continuing search efforts for new members. CC Chair Peter Hess chose not to renew his seat on the committee. Committee members reviewed two mailings, including the Oak Log from the Nature Conservancy and a mailing from the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Next meeting is July 8,

12 81 Main Street Essex Junction, VT Minutes of July 8, 2014 Conservation Committee (CC) Members Present: Brian Cote, Jaysen Dickinson, Matthew Graf, Chuck Vile Absent: n/a Others: Greg Duggan, Town Planner; Josh Gauthier, Recreation Program Coordinator; Chairman Mark Paulsen, Shawn Folley, Ruth Leblanc, Eric McCarthy, Trails Committee; Tom Furland, Planning Commission; Keith Thompson, Chittenden County Forester Meeting called to order at 7:05 p.m. Agenda Items: 1. Development Review (with Trails Committee) Minor subdivision, 319 Old Stage Road, Matthew Nesto and Ralph and Robert Matthews: Residential subdivision proposal to subdivide a acre lot into three single-family lots. The lots are in the Agricultural-Residential (AR) zoning district and the Scenic Resources Area. Duggan showed where building envelopes had been shifted to stay out of wetlands. The Trails Committee supported a 10-foot-wide pedestrian easement along Old Stage Road. Cote asked about the possibility of restricting building heights to one story for scenic resources protection. Discussion ranged beyond the subdivision to focus on resource protection in the broad sense. Furland encouraged the TC and CC to attend upcoming Planning Commission meetings if they want to have stronger protections written into zoning and subdivision regulations. Boundary Adjustment and Sketch/Final minor subdivision, 100 & 153 Brigham Hill Lane and 168 Brigham Hill Road, Lois Kenney and Lois, Richard and James Kenney: The applicants have proposed a boundary line adjustment and simple parcel subdivision that would remove a portion of land from 153 Brigham Hill Lane and merge it with 100 Brigham Hill Lane and 168 Brigham Hill. The changes would create a acre parcel and a acre parcel. The parcel at 153 Brigham Hill Lane abuts townowned Indian Brook, and both committees and Furland wanted to know if the town has an easement over the parcel connecting Brigham Hill Lane to trails at Indian Brook. Duggan said he would find out if an easement exists, and ask for one at the Planning Commission hearing if it does not. Boundary Adjustment, 11 & 15 Foster Road, Wayne Miller and Marilyn Relyea: The applicants have proposed a shift of 10,410 square feet from 11 Foster Road to 15 Foster Road. No comment. Duggan said the PC meeting on July 24 will include discussions on a Town of Essex and Village of Essex Junction master bike/ped plan, zoning and subdivision regulations updates, and the Town Plan update. 1

13 Residential Planned Unit Development, 15 & 21 Upper Main St.: At the last Planning Commission meeting, the PC gave sketch plan approval to a 34-unit, 21-lot subdivision on Upper Main Street. Town staff and the Trails Committee pushed for a multi-use path running along Upper Main Street, but the applicant did not want to build such a path. Duggan informed the TC that in a subsequent conversation the applicant s engineer expressed a willingness to build a multi-use path through the interior of the subdivision. Duggan wanted the TC s opinion on such a design. TC members felt the path would be out of the way and pedestrians would continue to walk directly on Vermont 15/Upper Main St. The TC asked if the Town could work with the state to put a path on Vermont Trails behind The Essex Duggan, Gauthier and Folley walked the trails behind the Essex and Freeman Woods in June and reported their thoughts to the TC and CC in a memo. Folley reiterated that the site had lot of potential for hiking and biking trails, and to connect to other trail systems in the Town Forest and the Pinewood neighborhood. Vile said the culverts through the Circ were originally designed to allow connectivity underneath the Circ, and said Deb Sachs was the planner at the time. Duggan asked the TC to draft a proposal to obtain Selectboard permission to continue pursuing the project. Duggan and Gauthier offered their support to the TC. The committees split. 3. Discussion about informing landowners of Use Value Appraisal programs Chittenden County Forester Keith Thompson attended to provide information about the State of Vermont s use value appraisal program. Duggan reminded the CC that one of the work plan items for the year is to encourage eligible landowners to enroll in state or local current use programs, a goal mentioned in the 2008 Open Space study. Thompson said the goal of current use is to keep land productive, and current use programs include forestry and agriculture. Landowners benefit by having lower property taxes, though the state repays municipalities any lost tax revenue. Parcels eligible for forestry must have at least 25 acres. Thompson explained how landowners need to work with a consulting forester to develop a 10-year forest management plan and must adhere to that plan to remain in current use. Management plans are beneficial for wildlife habitat as well as timber harvesting, Vile and Thompson said. Thompson estimated the cost of a management plan for a 30-acre parcel at $600 to $1,000, though he said landowners often recoup that cost in saved taxes within the first year of enrollment. Graf asked if the state provided guidance on invasive species. Thompson said management plans often include requirements for control or removal of invasive plant species. Thompson said a landowner on Saw Mill Road would be willing to host a visit on his property. Cote asked about suggestions for approaching eligible landowners; Thompson recommended working with the local newspaper and sending letters to eligible landowners. Thompson and Duggan will work with the Saw Mill Road resident to set up a visit for the fall, and Duggan said he would draft a letter to invite eligible residents. 2

14 Continuing the conversation on invasive species, Thompson said the NRCS has money available for invasive plant management. The Vermont Department of Forest Parks and Rec recently received a grant to map invasive species. Vile said Indian Brook and road rights of way would be good areas to focus invasive species management efforts. Thompson suggested finding someone to champion the project. 4. Election of officers Cote announced that he was moving to Charlotte and would resign from the Conservation Committee. Graf made a motion, seconded by Vile, nominating Dickinson as chair. The motion passed 4-0. Duggan reminded the Committee that with Cote s departure the CC will be down to three members. 5. Planning for Essex Clean Up Day in September Committee members continued work to finalize a plan for Essex Clean Up Day on the afternoon of September 20, Public Works is working to identify a location along Indian Brook or Sunderland Brook to conduct the cleanup. 6. Conservation Fund and Invasive species management Graf drafted a letter to send to the Selectboard to request funding for a conservation fund and invasive species management. Based on the tree inventory and the cost of insecticide, Graf estimated the Town would need $27,000 every two years to protect street trees against Emerald Ash Borer insects. Discussion covered the best ways to plan for invasives, and whether that means the use of preventative insecticide, planting news trees, or starting a fund to remove and replace trees that are eventually damaged or killed by invasives. Vile suggested the Town hire an arborist. The CC felt two or three towns could jointly hire an arborist to care for trees in the area. Resident Polly McEwing had sent a letter to Duggan, which he passed on to the CC, about the potential for condo associations to participate in invasive species management and prevention. The CC also discussed funding for a conservation fund, and how to make the argument that funding is needed. Duggan and Furland suggested making a sales pitch, using data from Heart & Soul and reaching out to residents to gain support for a fund. CC members talked about whether funding should be tied to a specific tax rate increase, such as half a cent on the tax rate, or a line item in the Town budget. 7. Town Plan work Duggan reminded the CC that the Community Development Department is beginning to update the Town Plan, and will seek input from CC members. 3

15 8. Minutes: June 10, 2014 Meeting minutes from June 10, 2014 were approved by unanimous consent. 9. Other Business: Duggan informed the CC that new state legislation requires committees to post draft minutes within five days of a meeting. Graf volunteered to keep minutes. Meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m. The next meeting is August 12,

16 81 Main Street Essex Junction, VT Minutes for August 12, 2014 Conservation Committee Members Present: Jaysen Dickinson, Chairman; Matt Graf Others Present: Greg Duggan, Town Planner; Josh Gauthier, Recreation Program Coordinator; Mark Paulsen, Trails Committee; Sean Folley, Trails; Kevin Macy, Trails; Ruth LeBlanc, Trails; Eric McGrath, Trails; Yearim Y. Plantillas, Northern Lights Rock & Ice; Sarah Lavigne, Northern Lights; Sable Lewis, Northern Lights; Christopher Westower, Northern Lights; Paula DeMichele; Anne Petrow; Alan Petrow; Eugene Petrow; Robert Thompson No quorum

17 81 Main Street Essex Junction, VT Minutes for August 12, 2014 Conservation Committee Members Present: Jaysen Dickinson, Chairman; Matt Graf Others Present: Greg Duggan, Town Planner; Josh Gauthier, Recreation Program Coordinator; Mark Paulsen, Trails Committee; Sean Folley, Trails; Kevin Macy, Trails; Ruth LeBlanc, Trails; Eric McGrath, Trails; Yearim Y. Plantillas, Northern Lights Rock & Ice; Sarah Lavigne, Northern Lights; Sable Lewis, Northern Lights; Christopher Westower, Northern Lights; Paula DeMichele; Anne Petrow; Alan Petrow; Eugene Petrow; Robert Thompson No quorum

18 81 Main Street Essex Junction, VT Minutes for September 10, 2014 Conservation Committee Members Present: Jaysen Dickinson, Chairman; Matt Graf Staff Present: Greg Duggan, Town Planner; Josh Gauthier, Recreation Program Coordinator; Sharon Kelley, Zoning Administrator; Ally Vile, Parks & Recreation Director Others Present: Mark Paulsen, Trails Committee; Sean Folley, Trails; Kevin Macy, Trails; Ruth LeBlanc, Trails; Eric McGrath, Trails; Daniel Stein No quorum

19 81 Main Street Essex Junction, VT Minutes for October 14, 2014 Conservation Committee Members Present: Jaysen Dickinson, Chairman; Matt Graf Trails Committee Members Present: Mark Paulsen, Chairman; Sean Folley; Ruth LeBlanc; Kevin Macy Staff Present: Greg Duggan, Town Planner; Josh Gauthier, Recreation Program Coordinator Others Present: Darren Schibler, Daniel Stein No quorum

20 81 Main Street Essex Junction, VT Minutes for December 9, 2014 Conservation Committee Members Present: Jaysen Dickinson, Chairman; Darren Schibler (No Quorum) Staff Present Greg Duggan, Town Planner; Ally Vile, Parks & Recreation Director Others Present: Mark Paulsen, Trails Committee Chairman; Sean Folley, Ruth LeBlanc, Kevin Macy, and Eric McCarthy, Trails Committee The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. AGENDA ITEM 1: Public Comments No public comment. AGENDA ITEM 2: Agenda Additions/Changes None. AGENDA ITEM 3: Approval of Agenda Approved by unanimous consent (with Trails Committee) AGENDA ITEM 4: Welcome new members New Conservation Committee member Darren Schibler introduced himself to the Conservation and Trails committees. AGENDA ITEM 5: Development Review (with Trails Committee) a) 173 Lost Nation Road - The committees discussed the presence of contiguous wildlife habitat and a wildlife corridor. b) 109 Osgood Hill Road The committees discussed the steepness of the proposed and existing driveway. With the steep slope of the land and presence of a Class III wetland, the committees were also concerned with erosion and runoff into the wetland. c) 218 Brigham Hill Road The committees noted the presence of a wetland on the opposite side of the road. The Conservation and Trails committees split up to deal with the remainder of their respective agendas. AGENDA ITEM 6: 2016 Town Plan update Greg Duggan reviewed the process of restructuring and rewriting the Town Plan for He presented the draft of 2016 Town Plan Chapter 3, which includes sections on natural resources. AGENDA ITEM 7: Use Value Appraisal programs The Committee decided to keep the item on the agenda for further discussion when a quorum is present. AGENDA ITEM 8: Conservation Fund/Land Trust discussion

21 Schibler asked what could be done to get started on conservation fund. Duggan gave an overview of work the Conservation Committee has done in the past. AGENDA ITEM 9: Invasive species management Dickinson and Schibler talked about what the best plan of action might be for the Town to deal with invasive species. They talked about setting standards for types of trees that can be planted as part of developments. Discussion also included options for preventative actions, such as selective cutting of trees vulnerable to invasive species, budgeting for the arrival of invasives, and applying pesticides. Dickinson and Schibler suggested adding a section about invasive species to the Town Plan. AGENDA ITEM 10: Conservation Committee work plan for 2015 The Committee talked about keeping current use on the work plan, hosting another Essex Clean Up Day, and revisiting the Conservation Subdivision Regulations. The work plan would be finalized when a quorum is present. AGENDA ITEM 11: Minutes No quorum to vote on the minutes. AGENDA ITEM 12: Other Business Dickinson summarized the Chairperson breakfast he attended on Oct. 21 with the chairs of other Essex boards and committees. Dickinson provided a draft of the Conservation Committee s annual report for Town Meeting. Duggan suggested including the names of the two committee members who left the Conservation Committee in 2014, Pete Hess and Brian Cote. Dickinson and Schibler supported the idea, and Duggan said he would provide a final copy for the Town Report.

22 81 Main Street Essex Junction, VT Minutes for October 20, 2014 Conservation Committee Members Present: Jaysen Dickinson, Chairman; Matt Graf (No quorum) Staff Present: Greg Duggan, Town Planner Others Present: Darren Schibler The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. AGENDA ITEM 1: Town Plan update Previously, Town Planner Greg Duggan gave the CC Chapter 9 (Natural Resources) of the 2011 Town Plan to review and discuss. In reviewing the document, Darren Schibler suggested we think of taking out the agricultural section. CC Chairman Jaysen Dickinson agreed with the idea. Schibler noted that impaired waterways were not mentioned in the previous Town Plan from CC. Committee member Matt Graf asked for an explanation on how these goals, objectives and strategies were prioritized and then implemented. Duggan gave an explanation but there were no real priorities set by the Town Selectboard and the committees were free to go off as they saw fit. Graf pointed out that setting priorities were a good vehicle for a group to focus their energy and as a result build a team. Duggan mentioned that, in the future, Essex could have a town plan and a CC plan that augments it. Graf wanted to talk about two additional goals he proposed (not in the existing Town Plan): 1) open space (i.e. bike lanes and park land) in new, multi-dwelling community development and 2) a tree and plant species diversity requirement on town governed controlled properties. The CC also spoke about the need for an invasive species threat plan for the Town and Village a point was made that Town and Village should work together on one plan. Another topic discussed was a town-wide plan for improving impaired waterways, and polluted waterways. Duggan mentioned that there is working being done on storm runoff. Graf asked whether the Town updated its 100-year flood map and standards as a result of Irene. The committee was uncertain of what updates were made. In reviewing Chapter 9 of the present Town Plan, the following observations were made: 9.2 Goal is vague. Strategies are specific : state does good job but maybe we should say

23 that town maps should stay in synch, as necessary, with latest state maps. Duggan mentioned that the CC should think about dropping strategies in the new plan, and just focus on goals and objectives. Graf expressed support for Duggan s proposal. Duggan then read the present Town objectives and all present voted support, don t care, or nonsupport. The result of the survey is below. The meeting adjourned at 6:45 PM. Prioritize? Sum (Y+M) Yes Maybe No Goal/ Objective Language As a priority task for updating natural resources information, the Town shall conduct studies to improve understanding of the existing water quality conditions in the Town and propose recommendations for improving the Town's water quality management The Town shall regularly consolidate its natural, renewable, and cultural resource data in an updated Significant Features Map and shall use the map to guide the design and review of public and private projects Engage townspeople in protecting natural resources and encourage the management of open lands for farming, forestry, recreation and conservation Continue the use of zoning, subdivision and health regulations to restrict development in unsuitable areas Develop new stormwater treatment standards in the zoning and subdivision regulations and the Public Works specifications. Standards shall be flexible but comprehensive and designed to improve water quality in impaired waters and to minimize non-point source water pollution from new development in the Town Incorporate into the development review process recognition that natural resource values to be protected may differ inside and outside the sewer service area. Denser development is desirable within the sewer service area whereas low densities and rural patterns of development are to be preserved outside the sewer service area. Formulas for determining density should be revised according to the location of the project in the Town and the land capabilities of each individual site Establish a land preservation program to help ensure that critical natural and scenic resources are preserved for future generations and that sufficient open lands are preserved to meet the active and passive recreation needs of the community.

24 Increase access to and opportunities for public enjoyment of the Town's natural resources while respecting the rights and concerns of private property owners Create specific development review standards that will allow appropriate development to occur while protecting the Town's significant resources Assist landowners in understanding their rights, protections and obligations in regards to public access and preservation of natural resources, and encourage private landowners to keep land open and accessible to the public Model environmentally sound practices for the community Gather and regularly update information on areas that are suitable for generating renewable energy Provide townspeople with information about environmentally sound management of land in ways individuals can assist in protecting natural resources Undertake a study to establish air quality goals/objectives for the Town and explore the implementation of simple methods of air quality improvement such as eliminating idling vehicles at schools, improving traffic signal timing, etc Update, augment and regularly maintain existing information and studies on the Town's significant natural resources, and implement the recommendations from those studies Update existing natural resources information drawing from the recommendation in the 2008 Open Space Plan Revise the Town's application process for development review to more clearly obtain compliance with the Town's goals for natural and cultural resource protection Incorporate the natural resources management recommendation contained in the 2007 Natural Heritage Element Inventory and Analysis (NHEIA) into the zoning and subdivision regulations. n/a (Trails) n/a (Trails) n/a (Trails) Increase the Town's efforts to educate the public about the benefits of trail systems and the responsibilities of trail users. Additional goals/objectives - Update guidelines for recommended tree species in public areas and development review, based on diversity of species and resilience against invasive species. - Develop an invasive species management plan.