TOWN OF MANCHESTER, VERMONT
DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC) MINUTES
Committee Attendees: Joelle Greenland, John Watanabe, Ramsay Gourd.
Staff Attendees: Janet Hurley (Planning & Zoning Director).
Public Attendees: Jodie Fielding.
Greenland called the meeting to order at 5:01 p.m. with committee members Greenland, and Watanabe present via Zoom. She stated that the committee was authorized to meet electronically by addendum 6 of executive order 01-20 and Act 92 of the Vermont legislature in response to the COVID-19 threat. She indicated that the meeting was being recorded. She introduced herself, John Watanabe, and Janet Hurley to Jodie Fielding.
1. Roots Architecture & Design, 98 Bonnet Street, Signage, Application 2021-01-004.
Hurley displayed the proposed signage on screen. Fielding answered questions about her proposed sign from Greenland. Watanabe motioned to recommend approval of the sign as submitted. Greenland seconded the motion. The motion carried 2-0-1, with Gourd abstaining (Gourd joined the meeting just as this application was taken up, but he had previously recused himself due to a conflict of interest). Hurley indicated that she would work up a permit and get it to Fielding soon.
2. Approval of minutes of December 21, 2020, meeting.
Watanabe motioned to approve the minutes of the December 21, 2020, meeting as prepared. Gourd seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0.
3. Other Business
Hurley shared plans for Skinner Point Park with the committee. She put the plans in context of the Downtown Strategic Plan and more recent efforts by local boy scouts. She explained that the Town has a license agreement with GMP to use this portion of the substation parcel. She has submitted a grant application for funding to assist in the development of the parklet. She described alternative proposed plans for lighting, depending on funding.
Committee members were enthusiastic about plans to improve this important gateway to the community. However, they also expressed concern about removing too much of the existing vegetation that functions to screen the substation from westbound approach. The screening will need to be tall. Committee members all felt that a wooden fence and new tree plantings would not be sufficient. Given the prominence of this site, they suggested seeking professional expertise from a landscape designer. They also recommended that an arborist be consulted about the existing trees before removal. Gourd maintained that some engineering work would be required. Hurley indicated that was being provided by the Town Consulting Engineer.
Watanabe asked if there was a timeline on this project. Hurley said if funding comes through, the project would need to be done by August 2021. Committee members stressed that careful thought should go into this, as it would become the main gateway to the community. There was discussion about what local firms might be of assistance. Such a firm could have recognition on signage in the park.
Committee members were not in favor of the “Plan B” lighting option suggested by John O’Keefe, indicating that the barn style lights had no relevance to other streetscape features in the downtown. Hurley indicated that if funding does not allow for the street light, a cobra light could be added opposite the existing one on the corner pole as a temporary solution. Committee members acknowledged that a cobra might not be noticeable, although otherwise undesirable. Hurley pointed out that it could be removed and replaced with more attractive street lighting with future funding.
Watanabe said he would like to take a closer look at the fencing when this comes back to the committee. Hurley noted that there has been preliminary discussion with SVAC staff about public art installations at the site in the future. Committee members stressed that such plans should be made after sufficient public input. Greenland suggested a charrette. Hurley asked that committee members read the Better Places Program grant application. She will come back to the committee in March with a more finalized design plan for the parklet.
Watanabe suggested a site visit before the March meeting. There was a discussion about the material of the walkways. Hurley explained the intention is to pave unless funding does not allow initially. Watanabe advocated for a prominent town sign. There was more discussion about opportunities for wayfinding information and other uses on the site. Hurley directed committee members to the grant application that she attached to an email. Members confirmed that they could access it.
Gourd motioned to adjourn. Watanabe seconded the motion. The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 5:35 p.m. The next meeting of the committee will be Wednesday, February 24, 2021, at 5:00 p.m.
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For the Design Advisory Committee Date