by Debbie Burke, Killington
updated
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 08:11 AM
KILLINGTON -- At the September 21 meeting of the Town of
Killington Planning Commission Mr. Deke Kaufman introduced himself
and his wife and noted that they own a home on Roaring Brook Road
behind the firehouse and next to the Roaring Brook. Given that
tropical storm Irene had such an impact on Killington, Mr. Kaufman
asked if the Town is considering being mapped for a flood plains so
that those who wish to purchase flood insurance can do so. Mr.
Kaufman expressed concern that the brook is now shallower due to
all the debris the storm washed down into the stream bed and it
will not take much for it to flood again. Dick Horner, Town
Planner, advised that in 2008 the Planning Commission had discussed
joining the National Flood Insurance Program. At that time both the
Board of Selectmen and the Planning Commission decided not to join
it because of the bureaucratic hurdles in addition to other
reasons. Dick advised that he was going to recommend to the
Commission that they revisit the program again.
Next, Jeff Temple of Killington Resort gave the Commission an
update on the resort's efforts to repair the damage from tropical
storm Irene. They were working to have snowmaking operations
repaired and in working order by October 15. Other priorities are
to repair and bring back on-line areas needed to stage upcoming
fall events.
The resort is looking to build The Roaring Brook Umbrella Bar deck
in the place of the Superstar Pub which was knocked off it's
foundation by the storm. There would be two umbrella bars on the
deck- one would have a radius of about 12 meters with seating for
approximately 65 guests and the other would have a radius of about
10 meters with a seating capacity for about 45. The walls would be
glass panels with the ability to open for use in the summer. The
goal is to have these up and running by this Thanksgiving. The
question was raised as to the level of the review the Planning
Commission wants for storm recovery projects such as these.
Commissioner Lee made a motion to authorize Dick Horner to handle
this permit and similar permits for reconstruction of damaged
and/or demolished property due to tropical storm Irene
administratively as long as the construction does not increase
seating capacity, and the motion was approved unanimously.
Dick Horner then reminded the group that at the last Board of
Selectmen meeting the Board voted to waive all zoning and
permitting fees associated with any reconstruction of damage from
tropical storm Irene.
Dick Horner then thanked Jeff Temple for organizing the daily
convoy in and out of Killington during the shutdown and
reconstruction of Route 4 toward Rutland. Dick said that it was a
great asset to the Town.
In Dick Horner's Planner's Report, he asked that if the Planning
Commission so wished, he would re-distribute the draft Flood
Ordinance from 2008 for further discussion. The Commissioners were
in agreement to re-visit this subject.
Next on the agenda was a discussion about Aspen East's time and
temperature sign that is broken. There are no replacement parts for
the technology that was used to operate the flip-o-matic sign. The
only technology available now are LED type lights. One of the
conditions the Commission had placed on that sign was that it be
kept in working order. Dick Horner asked whether the Commission had
an issue with the sign being replaced with current technology
noting that the new sign would be slightly smaller than the current
one. Commissioner Rosenblum noted that this was a grandfathered
sign and it was his feeling that the new technology would probably
be covered under the grandfathered clause. Commissioner Barbash did
not agree that the new technology falls under the grandfathered
clause and noted that other businesses would have to be allowed to
do the same thing when they replace their signs. Commissioner
Linnemayr asked Dick Horner to obtain a drawing of the sign. The
question was raised as to whether there should be provisions in the
Zoning for such signs. Dick felt that since the Zoning is currently
being revised, that this was an opportune time to add this
provision. The Commission had a lengthy discussion as to whether or
not allowing the use of LED lights in signs would cause a surge of
signs around town flashing the name of a product. After further
lengthy discussion, the consensus was not to allow replacement of
the sign with new technology.
Next, Dick informed the group that the Highridge mediation is
scheduled for November 18.
The Killington Ski Club wants to enlarge their decks slightly and
build a cover over the steps to keep them clear of snow. Dick
Horner asked whether this can be done administratively. The
Commission asked that the contractor, Jeff Findeisen, attend the
next Commission meeting with a drawing of the proposed
project.
Other Business:
Commissioner Rosenblum noted that over the years the issue has been
raised that the Town does not have a holding cell that constables
can use in the event someone needs to be detained and/or kept in
custody. We have always relied on the State Police to come and take
an individual to Rutland or Woodstock. Tropical storm Irene and the
resultant isolation due to the road damage leading in and out of
Killington showed that may not always be possible. Commissioner
Rosenblum questioned whether the concept of a holding cell should
be revisited and suggested getting input from town
constables.
Next, Dick Horner distributed the draft Zoning Regulations for
review. Although the Zoning Committee will be meeting one last time
he feels that there shouldn't be any major changes and the
substantive changes the Commission needs to carefully review are
the walkway easement, pages 43 to 46 regarding section 240.12,
portable signs, Planned Unit Development, and Site Plan
Review.
Under Commissioner's Concerns:
Commissioner Barbash asked whether Dick Horner had ever looked into
the Trailside Annex. Dick responded that what happened was that the
Trailside Lodge was still under construction and they had a big
party coming. They rented the old KMS dorm to put up their guests
and used the signs so that the guests could find it. Dick has
spoken with the Trailside Lodge owners advising them that it was
not appropriate and they apologized indicating it was a panic
situation.
Commissioner Linnemayr expressed his thanks to Craig Mosher for all
the work he did and for doing an incredible job in repairing the
road damage to Route 4 at River Road after tropical storm Irene.
Commissioner Barbash added that all the contractors should be
thanked for their efforts.
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