Meeting Minutes - ZBA Meeting
Town of Leicester
Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
*Unapproved*
** See subsequent minutes for any changes
Members Present: Gerry Flint, Chair, Donna Swinington, Shelley Glassner
Members Absent: None
Others Present: Tim Johnson, Peter Fjeld, Kate Briggs, ZA and Sandra Trombley, Secretary
Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 6:05 by Chair and roll call.
The Chair welcomed Tim Johnson and Peter Fjeld. Both parties submitted letters of interest in serving on the ZBA.
The Board discussed the issues of a three member board and the complications it has imposed. It is not fair to the residents because we have such a short building season in Vermont. If one member disagrees, a decision cannot be made with a three member board.
Tim and Peter were given the Town of Leicester Zoning Bylaws manual for reference.
Kate Briggs shared the various types of land use. It would be helpful to have a better understanding of types of uses and more members would bring a broader perspective.
Donna explained that the Board’s job is to work with the applicant and help them attain their goal. She explained that this Board is also the Planning Commission.
The Board was asked by Tim what they felt was one of the biggest struggles. The Board felt one of the biggest struggles they encounter is setbacks. The Board shared some examples of circumstances that they have dealt with. The main guidance is the Town’s Zoning Bylaws. There is a lot of interpretation, variances and waivers, non-conforming uses.
Kate mentioned that we need to look at the regulations in respect to the lake property. The regulations need to be revisited. It needs to be clearer to understand and the forms need to be easier to understand. The paper flow needs to be looked at, as well.
Kate explained that she has two roles as ZA. Certain low level applications she can approve. The next level she cannot approve, but she can help guide applicants through the application process and get it to the next level and expedite the process. Make some recommendations and perhaps they don’t need a permit. That’s how Kate sees her role.
Donna explained that Leicester did not get their grant to rewrite the Town Plan. We want to get started working on the Plan once we have a full board, with some help from Regional Planning. The Town pays a $1,000 per year dues to the Addison County Regional Planning. Any member of the Board or ZA has access to their lawyer. They have a full time lawyer, Adam Lugi.
Chair explained that our traditional meeting time for ZBA is the last Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. We have an exception on May 5th for the hearings. We meet the second Wednesday of each month for the Planning Commission at 6:00 p.m.
There were some general questions of the Board about definitions under conditional use and general and specific standards.
Peter and Tim both stated they would like to be on the Board.
The next Selectboard meeting is May 4th at 6:30 p.m. Per the Board’s request, Sandy will email Diane and ask her to put Peter and Tim on the agenda and they can take their oath prior to May 5th ZBA hearings.
Motion to adjourn by Donna. Seconded by Shelley. So approved. All in favor.
Adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandra L. Trombley
ZBA Secretary