Town of Manchester, Vermont
Development Review Board
Meeting Minutes – April 6, 2022
Development Review Board Present: Tim Waker, John Watanabe, Ray Ferrarin, Cathy Stewart. Absent: John Kennedy.
Staff Present: Planning & Zoning Director Janet Hurley.
Also Present: Ed Clark, Jim Deyo, Ryan Porter (via Zoom). ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hurley initiated recording, Waker called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
Minutes of the March 9, 2022, Meeting.
Ferrarin motioned to approve the minutes of the March 9, 2022. Stewart seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-0-0.
Deyo Clark Expedition, LLC, 6225 & 6229 Main Street, Site plan review of contractor’s yard use with construction of 58’ x 40’ steel building, Application 2022-02-008, Tax Map 16-20-10.00, continued hearing.
Waker reported on the site visit held at 5:00 before this meeting, including review of the proposed new driveway and parking areas. He noted that two large box elder trees would be removed, likely along with two red pines that would be disturbed by construction of the new driveway. Waker reported that existing power lines serving the existing structures extend to a utility pole that will be very close to the proposed barn. He said if the pole is owned by the power company, the property could be subject to a right of way. Deyo said he did not recall anything in the deed referencing the power line.
Waker said that Ryan Porter (who operates the practice tee across the Hunter Park Road from the proposed driveway) attended the site visit and expressed support for the new driveway. He reported that the applicants explained that the old driveway would be reclaimed. Deyo explained that if Peckham (the owner of the strip of land between Hunter Park Road and the subject property) does not agree to the relocation, he will have to widen the existing Main Street driveway. Hurley said that could be approved with a permit amendment.
Waker reviewed what was discussed at the last meeting at which Deyo was not present. Watanabe asked whether Deyo and Clark would consider installing plantings instead of stockade fencing. He remarked that there is not a lot of stockade fencing along roadways in Manchester and that split rail is more common. Waker added that if stockade fencing is proposed, it is likely proposed to screen materials or activities that should be noted on the site plan. Deyo responded that his intention is not to utilize the area for anything but occasional storage.
Deyo indicated that he and Clark are rethinking whether to add the stone to the skirt on the building and asked whether the stone can be optional. Hurley indicated that it could be and this is not in a design review district. Deyo said he would prefer a red or green barn. DRB members expressed a preference for a green barn with brown roofing and a natural stone if to be employed. Waker suggested if Deyo and Clark have to change the colors, to run that by Hurley to determine whether it presents a need for DRB review. If Deyo and Clark decide to use the stone, Morton would make an allowance for it. Deyo pointed out that the darker roof is practical because it will absorb heat in the cold months.
Deyo expressed reluctance to have the engineer revise the site plan unless he knows the DRB will approve the changes. Waker and Hurley explained the need for the site plan to show the extent of potential uses on the site. Hurley suggested that the gravel area can be marked with a note indicating that it would be used for storage of materials and equipment and parking of vehicles. Clark noted that things are constantly shifting in the contractor’s yard. Waker reiterated that the site plan should reflect where these activities will occur. Hurley pointed out that dumpsters are subject to screening requirements, so if a dumpster is included in the area, it would need to be screened.
Deyo confirmed that he and Clark use no pesticides or other hazardous materials aside for motor oil for their landscaping equipment engines. In addition he confirmed that vehicles are serviced by third parties off site. There was discussion about state commercial and energy building codes as may apply to the proposed barn. Deyo offered that if he cannot secure access to Hunter Park Road, he will have to widen the Main Street curb cut. Waker indicated that the engineer would need to show that on the plans. Deyo said the engineer will also spec-out the proposed expanded parking area, some pervious, some impervious.
Hurley read the engineer’s letter for the record (attached to these minutes and thereby incorporated). Ferrarin asked if Deyo and Clark would connect to sewer if it were available for the existing residential units on the site. Deyo indicated that they might do so. Hurley indicated that outdoor lighting must be off one hour past closing and then on only by motion sensors thereafter.
Stewart motioned to recess the hearing until May 4, 2022. Watanabe seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-0-0.
Hurley asked Porter if he had any comments. Porter expressed support for elimination of the existing Hunter Park Road driveway. He also expressed a preference for stockade fencing to screen the proposed contractor’s yard behind the proposed barn. Hurley asked Deyo and Clark whether they wanted Porter to urge his landlord to follow through on allowing the new driveway access. Deyo confirmed he would appreciate that. Waker noted that a new drive opposite Porter’s Practice Tee drive would be safer and could accommodate tractor trailers entering from Hunter Park Road. Porter said he would reach out to Peckham.
Ferrarin motioned to adjourn. Watanabe seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0-0 at 8:45 p.m. Hurley ended the zoom session.
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For the Development Review Board Date