Minutes 10-19-2021
Minutes of the Town of Leicester, Vermont Development Review Board (DRB) for October 19, 2021
Purpose of Meeting: To interview DRB candidate Jane Von Trapp of 162 Indian Trail, Leicester, VT for a volunteer position on the Board.
Attendees: Jeff McDonough, Chair; Donna Swinington, Jay Michael and Jane VonTrapp
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 October 19, 2021 at the Leicester Town Office.
Jeff described briefly the role of the DRB focusing on the review of zoning permits applications which do not meet the current regulations and/or development activities beyond the scope of the Zoning Administrator. He asked Jane introduce herself.
Jane noted she has spent much of her life in Vermont and has recently returned to Vermont (from Connecticut) with her husband, Tom Goeltz as their primary residence. They had purchased lake front (Lake Dunmore) property about 11 years and have now remodeled it to a year round property.
Jane is a graduate of UVM with a degree in horticulture; she subsequently owned and operated two nursey’s in the Hinesburg area. She also has considerable experience as a professional fund raiser, working for several schools and universities in New England. For the past 6 years she was CEO of the Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens, a 93 acre parkland in North Stamford, Connecticut. This was a park in decline and with limited financial resources (annual budget of $600,000) when she arrived. During her tenure she engaged the community with new programs and the city government for funding. The park received positive recognition from the mayor and increased financial support from the city and private donors alike. The budget for 2021 was approximately $1.2 million.
She was a member of the Lake Dunmore Fern Lake Association and a volunteer advisor to the Lakes Alive campaign team in the 2011-2014 time period. Jay Michael, the campaign executive director, noted Jane’s advice was timely, accurate and professional during that time. She was easy to work with and creative in her thinking.
Donna also noted the DRB is also the Town Planning board. As such, it is responsible for the Town Plan document which is due to be updated in the next couple of years. The Town Plan is not a small undertaking with work likely starting next year.
Jeff also pointed out the importance of attendance at meetings. With a small board, every vote counts to insure a quorum at meetings. The normal meeting times are the 3rd Tuesday in the month at 6 p.m.
Jay moved the DRB recommend Jane to the Select Board for membership on the DRB board. Donna seconded the motion and it passed with flying colors.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Jay Michael, Acting Clerk