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Council orders review of process for FEMA buyout lots after debate over Hilltop garden
Summary
Residents and the council debated use of FEMA buyout parcels after a manager-approved garden on Hilltop Avenue raised concerns. The mayor apologized for procedural gaps and asked a temporary review group led by the homelessness and housing liaison to draft a citywide process by September while the current use may continue short-term.
The Barre City Council agreed July 28 to assemble a temporary review group to draft a clear, citywide process for permitting uses on FEMA buyout lots after public concern about a garden on Hilltop Avenue that had been approved administratively.
“I'm the mayor and I didn't know,” the mayor said, acknowledging the council had not been notified before the manager approved the initial use. Tess Taylor, the city's homelessness and housing liaison, told the council she would convene a group including planning and permitting staff, planning commission members and council representatives to develop a checklist and process the council can adopt. Taylor said the goal is a draft “by September” that will explain what VEM/FEMA rules allow and which uses should require full council review.
Several residents urged precise terminology in meeting records and fairness for applicants who followed prior procedures. Amber, who represents Tilia Tea Company and said she submitted a written land-use agreement (speaker 24), said the application process had been stressful and unclear. Supporters and critics both told the council they want transparency and predictable rules.
Councilors debated the balance between staff-level approvals and council oversight. Some members argued the charter vests final decision-making authority with the council for real-estate or use-related matters; others urged a pragmatic check-box approach that uses planning and emergency-management review before a council appearance. The council agreed that final approval on individual lot uses should remain with the full council.
For now, the mayor said, the manager's prior administrative approval will stand in the short term so neighborhood uses are not abruptly disrupted, while the city drafts a standard form, engineering/permit check if applicable, and public-notice steps for future applications. The council directed staff to include sample agreements and explicit notice procedures in the draft process.
Next steps: Taylor will assemble the review group and return with an outline in September; the council will consider formal adoption thereafter.
