Agenda Summary

August 14, 2017

Agenda Item No. 9a

Other Business – Manager’s Report

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Summary:

Rec. Commission Resignation: Terrie Whese has resigned from the Recreation Commission.

Staff is advertising for citizens interested in serving in this capacity. She is currently working on

a contractual basis on Arena marketing, dasher board sales, and tournament recruitment.

Bond Refinancing: The refinancing for our 2013-1 Bond, $2,815,000, Rink #2 and Sledding Hill,

has been refinanced. As a result we will be seeing savings allocations of $70,923 over the life of

the bond. In FY’18, we will see a reduction to our bond interest payment of $7,017. The initial

savings is more than we will see over the next few years, on average we will see savings of

around $2,000 per year, ratcheting up to $6,000 a year around FY’25.

Recommendation: No action is necessary. This time is set aside to ask questions of a general

nature and for the public to be heard on any issue not on the regular agenda that doesn’t require

Selectboard action and is of a non-personnel nature.

Enclosed for your information:

Board of Civil Authority Hearing Minutes 7/24/17

Development Review Board Minutes 8/1/17

Conservation Commission Minutes 8/2/17

Recreation Commission Minutes 8/2/17

Development Review Board Agenda 8/15/17

BOARD OF CIVIL AUTHORITY HEARING MONDAY JULY 24, 2017

AKELEY MEMORIAL HALL

DRAFT Present: BCA Members: Kermit Spaulding, Elizabeth Lackey, Richard Bland, Mary Black, Marina Meerburg and Laura Collins The Board met at 4:00 p.m. to review one tax appraisal grievance. All Board members took the tax appeals oath. Member Collins requested selection of a Board Chair. On motion by Mary Black seconded by Richard Bland, Kermit Spaulding was selected to serve as Chair. Chair Spaulding requested the Board members review the Rules for Conduct of Meetings and Hearings. He also swore in all witnesses presenting evidence at the hearing. Testimony Appellant Christopher Grimes introduced his appeal stating that he purchased his property significantly below the grand list value. Also, his bank appraisal came in below the town's appraisal of $832,000.00. The Town Assessor, Tim Morrissey provided testimony on behalf of the Town of Stowe. He introduced the Grimes property located at 702 Taber Ridge Road and presented 4 exhibits to explain the background and appraisal of the property as follows:

Exhibit 1: Stowe Listers Card, tax map, overlay map and subject pictures.

Exhibit 2: Appraisal done by Guy Andrews supplied by Christopher Grimes indicating Fair Market Value of $800,000 as of November 18, 2016.

Exhibit 3: Analysis of a recent property sold in the subject neighborhood that supports the lister's Assessment and Mr. Andrew's appraisal. Exhibit 4: MLS subject property listing history.

Tim provided a detailed review of each exhibit and explained how the information in each one supported the Town’s assessment of the property at $832,000. The property history reflected that as of 2015 the property was assessed at $1,224,100 and over ensuing years the Listers had reviewed the property twice, reduced the property assessment to $954,300 for the 2016 Grand List and again to the current $832,000 for the 2017 Grand List. The Listers visited the property June 26, 2017 and at that time some structural repairs and improvements had been made. Mr. Grimes provided additional testimony that he was not requesting the assessment be reduced to $725,000 which was the amount he purchased the property but $800,000 the amount of his finance appraisal. He also stated that the property had been on the market 2 ½ years when he purchased it.

Tim Morrissey closed his testimony requesting that the Board uphold the Lister’s assessment. The Board discussed suitable dates for a property inspection and a follow up hearing. The property inspection was set for Tuesday, August 1, 2017 and a follow up hearing set for Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall. The meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Laura Collins

Development Review Board DRAFT 1

Town of Stowe- August 1, 2017 2

3

The regular meeting of the Stowe Development Review Board was held Tuesday, August 1, 2017 in 4

Memorial Hall starting at 5:00 P.M. Members present: Drew Clymer, Vice Chair; Tyler Mumley, Tom 5

Hand, Michael Diender, Nick Lizotte (at 5:10) and alternate Peter Collotta. Absent: Doug White and 6

Chris Walton. 7

Others present: Rich Baker, Zoning Administrator and those listed in the minutes book. 8

9

Drew Clymer, chaired the meeting in the absence of the Chair, Doug White. 10

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5:00 P.M. 12

Project #: 5515 (RECESSED from 7/18/17) 13

Owner: Scott, Gerald 14

Tax Parcel #: 12-014.000 15

Location: 5504 Mountain Road 16

Project: Appeal of Permit # 5503 to Increase the Number of Bedrooms 17

Zone: RR 5 18

Project # 5515 was recessed at the 7/18/17 meeting in order that a draft decision could be prepared 19

and sent to the Town Attorney for comments. It was agreed that the decision would be reviewed and 20

voted on in open session at the August 1, 2017 meeting. Mr. Clymer read the decision (on file) for thosel 21

in attendance. Mr Diender moved to approve the decision. Mr. Collotta had questions so Mr. Dineder 22

withdrew his motion in order that discussion could take place. Mr. Diender then moved that the DRB 23

approve the decision as read re: project # 5515. Mr. Mumley seconded the motion with Mr. Hand, 24

Diender, Collotta, Clymer and Mumley voting in favor. Mr. Lizotte had not arrived at the meeting. Mr. 25

White and Walton were absent. 26

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5:10 28

Project #: 5640 29

Owners: Scatchard, Ross & Anderson, Mitzi 30

Tax Parcel #: 2-172.000 31

Location: 119 Dunham Lane 32

Project: Construct Mudroom. Request Three Foot Setback Waiver 33

Zone: RR 3 34

Present were Metzi Anderson and Ross Scatchard requesting a 3’ waiver for the construction of a 35

12’x20’ mudroom. Mr. Baker read the new ordinance (Sec. 3.4 (8) © which allows for setback waivers 36

under certain conditions, one being that the house pre-exists zoning. The house is within a culdesac and 37

the closest building is 180’. The existing dwelling is non- complying. The members discussed each of the 38

criteria finding that each are met. Mr. Hand moved to instruct the Zoning Administrator to draft Findings 39

of Fact and Conclusion of Law under Sec. 3.4(8)© re: project # 5640 with the following CONDITION: (1) 40

Any change to the plans or the proposed use of the property shall be brought to the attention of the 41

Zoning Administrator, prior to its enactment, for a determination if an amendment shall be required. 42

Mr. Mumley seconded the motion with all in favor. Mr. White and Walton absent. 43

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5:20 1

Project #: 5639 2

Owner: Kaiser, Christine 3

Tax Parcel #: 5-064.000 4

Location: 1148 Nebraska Valley Road 5

Project: Create Three-Lot Subdivision 6

Zones: RR 2/5 RHOD. 7

Present were Christine Kaiser and Todd Hill. Ms. Kaiser owns 13 acres and is proposing to subdivide into 8

3 lots; Lot 1 of 4.5 acres and existing dwelling; Lot 2 of 4.5 acres and an existing dwelling; Lot 3 would be 9

4.5 acres and includes a dwelling. The well is existing; e-mail dated 7/31/17 from abutting property 10

owners Bell and Abrams was read with their concern, particularly Lot 3 which is steep asking for a 11

condition of approval be that the applicant would return to the Board for DRB approval and ROD review. 12

It was noted in the review that the upper portion is a deer wintering area and above the RHOD line. 13

Review: Sec. 5.1(10) Lot Configuration it was noted that the lots are elongated because of the pre-14

existing development; Sec. 5.1 (12) Fire Protection: Mr. Baker said the Fire Department did not have 15

concerns with the subdivision; (13) Subsequent Development Plans: none at this time; Sec. 5.1 9 (14) 16

Private Enforcement Mechanism: Mr. Lizotte asked since the 3 lots are served by 1 well if there would 17

be an easement for the other lots if need be and are sold and Mr. Hill said there will need to be 18

something drawn up. Sec. 5.2 Prominent Hillside and Ridgelines: if approved a condition would be 19

imposed to satisfy Ms. Bell’s concern and requiring DRB approval in the RHOD. Mr. Mumley moved to 20

instruct the Zoning Administrator to draft Findings of Fact and Conclusion of Law re: project # 5639 with 21

the following CONDITIONS: (1) Any change to the plans or the proposed use of the property shall be 22

brought to the attention of the Zoning Administrator, prior to its enactment, for a determination if an 23

amendment shall be required; (2) No development shall occur within the deer yard and within the pRD 24

area without further review and approval by the DRB; (3) Pursuant to V..S.A Title 24 Chapt. 117 the 25

approval of this final subdivision shall expire after 180 unless a final plat has been filed …………; (4) 26

the subdivision plat shall be prepared in accordance with 27 VSA 1403 and Sec. 4.3 of the Stowe 27

Subdivision Regs. Mr. Hand seconded the motion with all in favor. Mr. Walton and White were absent. ` 28

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5:40 30

Project #: 5641 31

Owner: Shea, Gertrude 32

Tax Parcel #: 7-236.000 33

Location: Summit View Dr Lot # 6 34

Project: Request a 45-foot PRD Waiver 35

Zone: RR 1/2/5 36

Present were Brendan O’Reilly and abutter Julio Olimpio. Mr. O’Reilley said they are requesting a 37

reduction of the setback by 40’ for clearing and thinning and an increased reduction of the building 38

setback of 25’. The house by doing this would sit back into the bank with grading around. Mr Baker 39

gave members some history of the original subdivision years ago where it was treated as a PRD with the 40

double setbacks. It was acknowledged that years ago a neighbor cut drastically into the setback but it is 41

now grown up for some screening. tape 1 side 2 5:50 The Board reviewed under Sec. 13.4 New 42

language on PRD Setback Waivers: B (1) Mr. Olympia, in the audience said he has lived there 20 years, 43

there are 9 developable properties in the subdivision, 5 which abut his property. Waterline goes along 44

the top of his property and RR 2 and 5 runs thru his property and he felt it is too much to ask for RR 2 1

setbacks and a 40’ waiver for Lot 6. Clearing would go from 120’ to 110’ along the rear lot line. Mr. 2

Olympio stated he now looks down on 5 houses. Mr. O’Reiully said he would put in appropriate 3

landscaping to help the` privacy of Mr. Olympio but he admitted it changes the character of the area. 4

Mr. Mumley said he did not have adequate information to make a decision and needed a better 5

explanation for the requested change. He said he would like to see the grade lines shown, setback lines 6

etc After little more discussion, a site walk was suggested and Mr.Collotta said he would like to have the 7

rear of the proposed building staked out. Mr. Collotta moved to RECESS Project #: 5641 to August 15, 8

2015 with a site walk to take place at 5:00 P.M. and then return to the Memorial Hall to resume the 9

hearing at 5:30 P.M. Mr. Diender seconded the motion with all in favor. 10

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There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 6:30 P.M. 12

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Respectfully submitted, 14

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16

Barbara S. Allaire 17

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Stowe Conservation Commission Wednesday, August 2, 2017 Akeley Memorial Building

Meeting Minutes

Page 1/1

Members present: Gar Anderson, Catherine Drake, , David Jaqua , Christine Dorsey McGowan,

Darsey Moon, Robert Moore Town: Tom Jackman Absent: Andre Blais

Guests: Eric Zeikel

The meeting was called to order at 5:06 p.m.

Minutes, Reports and Updates

The minutes of the July 19, 2017 meeting were reviewed and a motion to approve was made by

Christine and seconded by Darsey and unanimously approved.

A prototype of the sign prepared by Kristen Sharpless of Stowe Land Trust for posting at Sterling

Forest regarding the demonstration project was distributed and discussed. Comments were made and

the sign will be installed at the site. Following additional work next season, an updated sign will be

developed and posted.

Tom distributed notes from the planning call regarding the Stowe Mountain Resort volunteer day to

remove invasive species at Cady Hill on September 16, 2017. CC members are welcomed to join in

the day.

Tom reported that Danielle Fitzko will be recommending Stowe be a recipient of a federal grant to

assess roadside vegetation and report on best management practices for communities. Stowe will be

one of 10 Vermont communities in the study.

Village Street Tree Strategic Plan

Tom distributed a revised draft of the “Stowe Village Strategic Street Plan” and asked members to

review for discussion at a future meeting. David suggested that review of older aeriel photography

would be helpful to see the changes that have occurred over the years.

CC members adjourned the formal meeting and proceeded to Main Street to examine vulnerable trees

outlined in the “Stowe Village Public Tree Inventory Summary Report” prepared by the Vermont

Urban and Community Forestry Program in the summer of 2016. Members examined the trees along

the west side of the Main Street making notes of those trees that would best be removed and replaced

at a future time in conjunction with the sidewalk replacement. Recommendations for specific action

will be made and discussed with interested parties over the winter with the goal of completing our

recommendation by summer 2018 in time for incorporating into the work detail for the sidewalk

project.

The meeting adjourned at 6:15 PM. The next meeting will be held on August 16, 2017.

Respectfully submitted by Catherine Drake.

Stowe Recreation Commission Meeting DRAFT 1 Wednesday, August 2, 2017- Ice Arena Meeting Room 2 3 The regular meeting of the recreation Commission was held Wednesday, August 2, 2017 in the Meeting 4 Room at the arena starting at 5:00 P.M. 5 Members present: Brett Loomis, Terrie Wehse, Father Rick, Mike Loughran and Lynn Altadonna. 6 Absent: Walt Levering and Adam Rice. Also present: Matt Frazee, Director and Tony Whitaker, Rink 7 Manager. . 8 9 5:00 P.M. Mr. Loomis called the meeting to order. Lynn moved to accept the agenda, seconded by Mike 10 with all in favor. 11 12 Minutes of July 12, 2017: Mike moved to approve as written, seconded by Terrie with all in favor. Walt 13 and Adam absent. 14 15 Mayo Field Task Force Report: Mike reported that will be drafting a letter which will brought before the 16 Commission prior to going to the Selectboard. Trying to show an increase in prime ag land which is 17 required by the Land Trust and demonstrate to the Selectboard the need, the cost and desirability. He 18 said Stowe Land Trust needs to be convinced there is a net gain for conservation and ag land. Mike 19 reiterated that they have one shot and need to get it right. Matt said there was a meeting with himself, 20 Tom Jackman and Paul Percy who made his feelings very clear he is not in favor. Lynn said it needs to be 21 made clear the need for more fields for the kids and their sports. Matt said the Commission needs to 22 show the Selectboard there is a need, a desire , the costs and the Stowe Land Trust will need to 23 determine the swap will result in a net gain for ag land and conservation. Those are the two things that 24 have to be proven. If this doesn’t happen, it doesn’t matter who or who doesn’t support this, stated 25 Matt. 26 27 Polo Field Parking Area: Discussion re: the two options to fill in the area. Matt said that the 28 Conservation Commission recommends doing option B as there is no process to go through and can be 29 done by using town labor and materials. Brett felt option A should be used as he felt it would not solve 30 the problem using B and said it should be done correctly the first time and make a parking lot. After 31 discussion and realizing this could be a band aid, Lynn moved to proceed with Option B which is: fill in 32 low areas with gravel, cover with a layer of top soil and seed. Rick seconded the motion with all in favor 33 except Brett who voted no. 34 35 Arena Report:` Matt gave an overview of the report which when finalized will go to the Selectboard 36 providing documentation where there is growth etc and possible ways of improving the usage. Matt said 37 the facility is an asset to the town and is serving the people and looking to go forward in a positive 38 direction, stated Matt. Broken down into financial statements, tournaments, public skating etc. 39 Discussion took place. Matt highlighted some of the larger financials- `with steps that are being taken to 40 reduce the expenses and increase the income. Not a consistent demand for use in the summer; adjust 41 staffing so that two men (1) are going to Bruce’s department certain months (changing the split to 55% 42 arena / 45% parks from the previously budgeted 75%/25% split); not open on the weekends when there 43 are not reservations from 5/1 thru 9/30; 44

1 Discussion continued and Matt compared to other rinks in the area. Tony gave members who are geared 2 to—youth hockey is key have had regional hockey camps and will continue to work with NAHA and 3 others and zero in on the local kids. 4 5 Terrie announced she will be resigning from the Commission to work with the town as a temporary 6 contracted service with focus on marketing, tournaments, events, and ad sales. 7 8 Rick suggested branching out looking into speed skating which he felt there could be a calling for if there 9 a sponsor; there are several clubs in the surrounding areas who are used to travelling so a possibility and 10 felt there would be substantial interest and energy on both; Tony said he possibly could take a block of 11 time on Fridays. Matt stated December - February has seen dramatic impact since the Mt Company and 12 TN Resort rinks have come into play; after continuing discussion Matt said the goal is to cut the deficit 13 by 10-15% this year with the main goal being to remain an asset to the community. 14 15 Ice Rental Rates: Matt put a grid on the screen for members to compare and after discussion Brett 16 moved to recommend to the Selectboard that the following rates be put in place for the 2019 budget; 17 18 Prime time $205 per hour 19 Non-prime time go to $150 per 20 Keep Youth Hockey the same at $185 per and adjust the summer non-prime time May thru August 31st 21 by starting at 8:00 PM. 22 Rick seconded the motion with Terrie, Brett, Mike, Rick and Brett voting in favor. Walt and Adam not 23 present. i 24 Rick commented that the goal has to be to support the youth. 25 26 There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 6:45 P.M> 27 28 Respectfully submitted, 29 30 Barbara s. Allaire 31

DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD TOWN OF STOWE – MEETING AGENDA

AUGUST 15, 2017 All residents of the Town of Stowe are hereby notified that the following applications will be heard by Stowe Development Review Board in the Akeley Memorial Building (67 Main Street) starting at 5:30 p.m. There will be a site walk at 5:00 pm for Project 5641.

Project #: 5641(Recessed 8/1/15) Owner: Gertrude Shea Tax Parcel 07-236.000 Location: Summit View Dr, Lot 6 Project: Request PRD Setback Waiver Zoning: RR1/2/5 Review of Minutes Review of upcoming hearing schedule Pending DRB applications and related materials can be found at http://townofstowevt.org/drb