Sept. 29, 2011

THEFTS

Police are investigating the theft of a monitor (instrument) panel from a John Deere dump truck during the weekend of Sept. 16-18 from Nortrax, a local business in Williston. The panel is valued at more than $5,000, according to police. Anyone with information is asked to call the Williston Police Department at 878-6611 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-427-8477.

Police are investigating a theft from a vehicle parked at Chili’s restaurant on Sept. 20. Items including an iPhone, MacBook, wallet, calculator, backpack and prescription drugs with a total value of $3,200 were taken, according to the report.

COLLISION

On Sept. 27, Vermont State Police and Williston Fire and Rescue responded to a two-car collision on Interstate 89. The travel lane of the Interstate was subsequently closed for approximately 45 minutes while the accident was being investigated, and one of the drivers was transported to Fletcher Allen Health Care. Investigation revealed that a 2011 Dodge Avenger driven by Nicholas Campbell, 20, of Montpelier struck the rear of a 2003 Toyota Echo driven by Lynn McNicol, 60, of Winooski, according to police reports.

The report noted: McNicol lost control of her car and slid off the roadway onto the grassy shoulder and collided with the rock ledge; her vehicle rebounded back onto the Interstate and completely blocked the southbound travel lane; the Dodge Avenger received minor damage to the front bumper; McNicol was treated for minor injuries and released from the hospital; her Toyota Echo “was totaled.” Solar glare has been identified as a factor in the accident, but it is still under investigation, according to the report.

MOTOR VEHICLE VIOLATIONS

Police who stopped a motor vehicle for having no front license plate on Sept. 21 discovered that the driver had no driver’s license — only a learner’s permit — and had never taken a driver’s education course, according to police reports. The driver also had no insurance or registration and other violations, the report notes. The vehicle was towed from the scene. No other information was released.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

Martha Stromme, 51, of Winooski was cited on a charge of driving under the influence on Sept. 22, according to police reports. Her blood alcohol concentration was .115, the report notes. The legal limit for driving in Vermont is .08. She was cited to appear in court on Oct. 13.

DRIVING WITH SUSPENDED LICENSE

•  Kara L. Zimmerman, 32, of Ferrisburgh was cited on a charge of driving with a suspended license on Sept. 22, according to police reports. She was cited to appear in court.

• Trevor LaRock, 44, of Colchester was cited on a charge of driving with a suspended license on Sept. 22, according to police reports. He was cited to appear in court.

•  Larry Farley, 30, of Milton was cited on a charge of driving with a suspended license-criminal on Sept. 25, according to police reports. He was cited to appear in court on Nov. 7.

DISTURBING THE PEACE

Donna Pike, 52, of Williston was cited on a charge of disturbing the peace via telephone on Sept. 22, according to police reports. She was cited to appear in court. No other information was released.

POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA

As the result of a motor vehicle stop, Timothy G. Hatgen, 18, of South Burlington was cited on a charge of possession of marijuana on Sept. 24, according to police reports. Police seized18.5 grams of marijuana from his vehicle, the report notes. No other information was released.

VANDALISM

Police received a report on Sept. 24 that a vehicle’s tires were slashed after two men “exited a cab, slashed the tires and then left in a white car that was waiting for them,” according to police reports. Damage was estimated at $150, the report notes. No other information was released.

Police notes are written based on information provided by the Williston Police Department and the Vermont State Police. Please note that all parties are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Sept. 29, 2011

By Adam White

Observer staff

Information technology took center stage at the Williston Selectboard’s meeting on Monday, as Board members and town staff examined the present impact of computers on town functions and examined a path to more effective usage in the future.

Town manager Rick McGuire presented the Board with some ideas for incorporating cloud functions into the town’s computers, to create a safer and more reliable backup system. McGuire said that even external drive or other recorded backups would have limited value if the original software used to create documents or records was lost.

Cloud computing involves having data backed up remotely by a contracted company, on its own hardware systems. McGuire said it creates a more stable backup system that is also easier to organize and access.

“Every day, there are many, many documents that come across my desk,” McGuire said on Tuesday. “The amount of paper can be overwhelming, and everyone has a different concept of categories when it comes to filing. With electronic filing, you can use search engines to find key words or dates within a document.”

McGuire recently returned from the International City Managers Association conference in Milwaukee, where he attended a seminar on cloud computing. He said the topic was of interest to him prior to that, as he had begun exploring its implementation to back up documents and records within the town manager’s office.

McGuire asked the Board how it intends to address a goal outlined at the last Selectboard retreat in April — utilizing “different forms of communication in order to increase or facilitate greater public input/information.”

Board member Chris Roy suggested offering internship opportunities to interested Champlain Valley Union High School students, in order to put “less of a burden on staff” and tap into a younger perspective on things like social media.

Fellow Board member Jeff Fehrs admitted that students might be better suited for working with sites like Facebook and Twitter.

“The way the world communicates is changing,” Fehrs said. “I’m just not a good resource for those tools. (But) there could be some very exciting opportunities there.”

Board member Jay Michaud asked McGuire whether the town’s website was built around proprietary or open architecture, saying that the latter would allow volunteers from local schools and colleges to get involved with the project.

“These kids just eat this stuff up. They go for it, and make things happen,” Michaud said, adding that he has experience working with such technologically inclined students and could assist with finding some to help the town. “I would like to … help facilitate that.”

Fehrs asked McGuire if the town employs a dedicated IT technician to oversee its computer systems. McGuire said Williston is trying to move in the opposite direction, and become less reliant on outside assistance by training its personnel on more manageable software and systems.

“We’ve been able to get by without having dedicated IT people,” McGuire said, adding that he maintains the town’s website largely on his own.

The Selectboard is scheduled to meet again on Oct. 3.

DRB hearing raises decades-old construction issue

Sept. 29, 2011

By Adam White

Observer staff

The Stern Center is committed to remaining in Williston, but needs to relocate to do so. The town wants a long-planned street connection completed, and sees a potential opportunity to get it done.

Those two separate interests were at the forefront of a pre-application review before the Development Review Board on Tuesday. John Hausner, the developer behind the current Seven Gables Condominiums location on Talcott Rd. that would serve as the new location for the Stern Center, proposed a reconfiguration of the site aimed at increasing its parking capacity from 62 spaces to 77.

But senior planner Matt Boulanger’s staff report revealed that several existing spaces are situated within a setback area along the site’s westerly edge, and that some proposed additional spaces would be as well.

That issue was later dwarfed by discussions about a private drive — running along the property’s northern boundary — that has been deeded as a right of way for development into a dedicated public road connecting Talcott Rd. to the street network within the Finney Crossing project.

“Who builds the road?” DRB chairman Scott Rieley asked. “It’s got to be built sometime; somebody’s going to have to do it.”

The construction of that road was previously set in 1987 as a condition of approval for development within the Taft Farms subdivision. DRB member Brian Jennings acknowledged that until its construction is resolved, the road will continue to be a roadblock for any future applications for development within Taft Farms.

“At what point do we start saying no to everyone?” Jennings asked.

John Connell, chief operating officer for the Stern Center, said that his company — which operates as a non-profit organization — simply could not take on the financial commitment required to build the road. Previous estimates for that project have been upward of $150,000, according to comments made at the meeting.

“I just have to say, we can’t afford it,” Connell said.

Hausner said he has had conversations with neighboring landowner Chris Snyder about the setback issue, and that both are confident a resolution can be reached. One potential idea discussed by the two was a fence between the properties.

“I understand that good buffers make good neighbors,” Hausner said.

But Boulanger said that while the existing spaces within the setback pre-date corresponding by-laws that prohibit them, the construction of additional spaces there would constitute an intensification of non-conformity and thus could not be recommended for approval by the DRB.

Town planner Ken Belliveau then suggested that another 12 to 14 spaces would be available on either side of the completed connecting road. But Hausner reiterated that a reconfiguration of the parking capacity on the site itself was “the only practical solution, given the financial implications” of building the road.

The DRB ultimately approved the pre-application for the project, after adding further conditions to those suggested by staff. One of those conditions was for the client to at least examine possible completion of the connecting road, according to Boulanger.

Retail giant eyes former Williston driving range for first Vermont store

Sept. 29, 2011

By Adam White

Observer staff

This house adjacent to the former Williston Driving Range was demolished by the Omega Corporation last week. The lot on which the house sat is part of a combined 17.2-acre site that is reportedly being examined as the potential location for Target’s first retail department store in Vermont. (Observer photo by Adam White)

As the last state in the country without a Target department store, Vermont has long been in the corporation’s big, red bulls-eye. Last week, the Minneapolis-based retailer moved closer to bagging a prime location in Williston.

Representatives from Target Corporation met with town officials on Sept. 23 and presented plans for a retail store at the former driving range property at 6180 Williston Rd.

“They showed us three or four site plan ideas, looking down from a bird’s eye view,” town planner Ken Belliveau said.

Belliveau confirmed that the meeting also involved town manager Rick McGuire and public works director Bruce Hoar. Target was reportedly represented by Regional Real Estate Manager Tom Carrico and Senior Development Manager Katie Rivard, while representatives from Vanasse Hangen Brustlin — a consulting firm with an office in North Ferrisburgh — also attended.

Belliveau also confirmed that a meeting took place last month involving town officials, Carrico and Rivard and Al and Nicole Senecal, representatives from Omega Real Estate — which owns the parcel of land being targeted for the project. Belliveau said that at last week’s meeting, Carrico indicated that some negotiations regarding the property had taken place between Target and Omega.

“Tom said something along the lines of, ‘we think we’ve reached a deal with the Senecals,’” Belliveau said.

Target spokesperson Eddie Baeb declined to discuss any specifics of the land negotiations or proposed store project. He cited the company’s policy of waiting to comment on any new store development until nine to 12 months before that store’s opening date.

“Target has long been interested in having a store in Vermont,” Baeb said. “However, at this time, we have no additional information to share.”

Nicole Senecal of Omega Real Estate confirmed that her company has been in contact with Target concerning the property, but declined to discuss negotiations. Repeated calls to Jeff Nelson at Vanasse Hangen Brustlin were not returned.

The project would need to clear a number of planning hurdles before progressing into even the first stages of construction. The site being examined is currently zoned as mixed-use residential, requiring developers to bring the project through Williston’s specific plan process.

Changes to a parcel’s zoning typically require that five of a possible nine criteria for public benefit, as outlined in Chapter 9 of the town’s by-laws, be met. Some of those criteria are job creation/retention, preservation of open spaces and the creation of affordable housing.

“The Planning Commission has to be able to determine that their specific plan has the potential to meet enough of those criteria,” Belliveau said. “They have already started to think about how they would meet that five of nine.”

One way is apparently through the creation of affordable housing. Belliveau said at least one of the proposed site plan ideas included the construction of apartments along the western side of the property, parallel to the existing Maple Tree housing buildings. The site — which comprises two parcels of land totaling 17.2 acres — previously received approval for an approximately 120-unit housing development referred to as Cottonwood.

Belliveau also foresees traffic issues and public perception as being potential challenges. Indications are that a formal traffic study has yet to be conducted in connection with the project, but even loose estimates of trip numbers discussed at the two meetings raised concerns, according to Belliveau.

“It’s a good distance from Exit 12 (off Interstate 89) to the former driving range property,” Belliveau said. “A lot of trips would be coming from there.”

Belliveau also said “initial public perception (of the project) will be key.” He made reference to public opposition to Walmart in Williston in the early 1990s, when a group called Citizens for Responsible Growth took its battle against the retail giant into the courtroom.

A survey of customers shopping at the Williston Walmart on a recent afternoon revealed differing views of the two retailers. Sierra Ouellette of South Burlington said Target “isn’t really any different than Walmart, other than the name.” Sarah Hamilton of Bristol disagreed, saying that she would “happily” choose Target if given a choice.

“They have a better selection, and much better quality,” Hamilton said. “I only shop (at Walmart) because I have to.”

Gordon Cameron of Burlington said he has “never set foot in a Target,” but welcomes the idea of another big-box retailer leveling the playing field for shoppers.

“It would create competition, which would hopefully drive prices down,” Cameron said. “The customer usually wins in situations like that.”

Belliveau said Target’s representatives have been receptive to holding “more meetings at the staff level, before anything gets filed.” He added that while no time frame has been determined for any portion of the project, he would not expect construction to begin for “several years.”

“It’s going to be a lot of work for everyone involved, but it will be interesting to see how it plays out,” Belliveau said.

Sun providing clean – and green – energy in Williston

Sept. 29, 2011

By Adam White

Observer staff

Lisa Dwyer points to a kilowatt readout on the solar energy inverter in the basement of her Ledgewood home. The Dwyers’ rooftop system generates 8.41 kilowatts of electricity per month, enough to power their home and surrounding neighborhood. (Observer photos by Adam White)

Most people dread opening their electricity bills. But for Lisa Dwyer, envelopes from Green Mountain Power contain nothing but good news.

One of 20 town residents to have taken advantage of special incentives under the Solar Williston program, Dwyer’s Ledgewood home is now powered exclusively by the sun. A total of 44 German-made, photovoltaic panels were installed on the building’s roof earlier this spring, and the resulting solar energy system produces three times the amount of electricity needed to power the home.

“This is my latest electric bill,” Dwyer said, holding up a statement showing mostly negative numbers. “As of right now, Green Mountain Power owes me 529 dollars and 89 cents.”

Dwyer and her husband, Peter, wanted to tap into the potential of their home — which enjoys clear, southerly exposure — shortly after moving in two years ago. They saw an advertisement for Williston Solar in the local newspaper, and decided to explore the concept further.

Solar Williston is a campaign launched by the Vermont Public Interest Research Group aimed at bringing interested customers together in order to promote and encourage the implementation of solar energy systems. By creating a collective of customers, VPIRG has also been able to negotiate discounts with solar contractors like Alteris Renewables, allowing Willistonians to purchase systems at significant savings — even as they take advantage of other rebates and tax credits offered for switching to solar.

Similar cooperatives have been set up in Vermont towns such as Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne and Waterbury.

“The response has been fantastic,” said Dan Conant, VPIRG’s Solar Community Coordinator. “It’s been really exciting to see how much enthusiasm and interest there has been for the whole program. Between all the towns involved, we’ve got close to 100 families who have been able to participate.”

Dwyer said the process couldn’t have been easier. Solar Williston set up a site evaluation that confirmed the Ledgewood’s home’s enormous energy potential, and the Dwyers were pleasantly surprised at how streamlined — and affordable — it was to set up even a large-scale system such as theirs.

“They take care of everything, from the site assessment, to permitting, to the actual installation. We didn’t have to put any of the pieces together,” Lisa Dwyer said. “And the discounts are what really made it doable. Between the VPIRG discount, the rebate from the state and the 30 percent tax credit, it basically cut the cost in half.”

Since having 44 solar panels installed on the roof of their Ledgewood home, Williston’s Lisa and Peter Dwyer have been able to generate three times the electricity they typically use per month — and sell the excess energy back to Green Mountain Power.

Dwyer’s system became operational in April, at which time “their meter starting running backwards,” in the words of Conant. The energy gathered by the panels enters the home as direct current, and is changed to alternating current by a wall-mounted inverter in the basement.

And while the meter spins fastest on bright, sunny days, cloudy skies do not equate to power outages for the solar-powered home.

“Any light at all, you’re producing something,” Dwyer said. “As soon as day breaks, we’re producing kilowatts — even if it’s overcast.”

Dwyer said the system generates approximately three times the electricity the home requires — even with central air conditioning — and the excess is bought back by Green Mountain Power and distributed to other homes in the neighborhood.

“Green Mountain pays six cents for every kilowatt we produce, and 14 cents for every kilowatt we give back,” she said. “We figure that at this rate, the system will pay for itself in nine or 10 years — maybe sooner.”

But Dwyer said the decision to go solar was never about money; it was about supporting and promoting alternative energy sourcing. She and her husband hosted a Solar Williston open house on Sept. 22, during which anyone interested was allowed to view the system — and the family’s latest electricity bill — in order to better understand how to put solar power to use for themselves.

“We had a wonderful turnout,” Dwyer said. “Twenty people came, and a lot of them were pleased with the money part of it and how affordable it’s been made by the program.”

The Dwyers’ electric meter has been ‘running backward’ since April.

Conant said the deadline for applying for Solar Williston is Dec. 1, and that special, low-cost solar loans are also available to qualified customers.

“It has never been easier to go solar, and it’s bringing a lot of people out of the woodwork who have always been interested in this,” he said.

On the web: www.SolarWilliston.org