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HomeMy WebLinkAboutKathryn MiddletonPlanning and Environmental Commission (PEC) Application The Planning and Environmental Commission (PEC) is a seven-member volunteer board. The PEC is responsible for the review and determination of requests for variances and conditional use permits, and recommendation to Town Council on special development districts, subdivisions, rezonings, various Town of Vail proposed plans and other community matters per the Town Charter and ordinances. The PEC meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 1 p.m. in the Vail Municipal Building. Name of Applicant * Phone Number * Email * Is the Town of Vail considered your primary residence?* Proof of Residence * Are you a registered voter in the Town of Vail?* Section 3-2-6 of the Vail Town Code prescribes the function of the PEC. According to the Town Code, The PEC shall have the following function and duties: a. Make and adoption of master plans for approval by the Town Council, b. Review and recommend zoning regulations and subdivision regulations to the Town Council, c. Review and approve environmental impact reports and mitigation measures as required by the Zoning Regulations, review and comment on programs and studies of environmental issues, d. Conduct research of environmental issues, e. Make recommendations to the Town Council for control of pollution and the protection of the environment, Advise the Town Council on appropriate actions when air and water quality standards are violated, and f. Consider other matters pertaining to the Commission and to act in an advisory role to the Town Council. Kathryn Middleton 9703761076 katmidds@gmail.com Yes No IMG_5376.HEIC 1.46MB Yes No PEC Responsibilities Given the above prescribed role of the PEC, what makes you uniquely qualified to serve on the Commission?* Please provide an example from your past which demonstrates your qualifications and explain why you are interested in serving on the PEC?* 5000 Characters Max I am uniquely qualified to serve on the Planning and Environmental Commission because I have spent the last 5+ years earning a degrees in Sustainability Studies at CMC and working on a masters at CSU in environmental studies. Zoning regulations and development in the TOV play a significant role in the future of Vail's economic success and how it impacts the environment. My research included reading and digging into many environmental impact statements (EIS) and environmental assessments (EA), and land use plans/policies to advise and make land use recommendations at CSU. Pollution, and the reduction of water and air quality and the impact of tourism, businesses and development on our unique environment in our community has increased over the years, so it is imperative that we work to maintain the health of our environment that has flexibility but that adheres to the boundaries laid out for zoning and subdivision regulations that minimizes and mitigates the potential for pollution, land degradation, water quality and air quality, and make recommendations where necessary. Beyond regulations is keeping a watchful eye out in the community to make sure that residents and businesses are keeping up with their impact and to maintain open lines of communication for continued cooperative participation and actions from them to utilize pollution control measures and protect our air quality and water quality. The great outdoors, thriving ecosystems and clean air and waterways are the reasons people come to this valley and want to live, work, and love to recreate here. 5000 Characters Max I currently sit on the DRB and have spent the last year and a half on the DRB learning policies and procedures and how to examine the town codes and requirements for board decision making to ensure that architectural and building design applications meet such standards. It has taught me well how to work with a team of individuals far more qualified in the field of architecture and design than I. I have learned so much from them and have a much better understanding of what it takes to be open to such a variety of inputs and to adhere to town codes. That being said, my skills and training are human, economically and environmentally based to find the balance necessary to maintain healthy ecosystems along side development that enhances economic growth for a thriving community. The PEC meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. Meetings begin at 1:00 pm and typically adjourn by 5:00 pm. PEC members shall be appointed to a 2 year term. Attendance at meetings is critical as it provides a broad representation on matters before the PEC and promotes a fair and equitable development review process. Please describe your availability to attend PEC meetings for the duration of your term and identify any conflicts of interest that may arise as a result of your employment, personal and/or professional relationships or financial interests in the Town of Vail.* Vail is a small community and everyone seems to know each other in one form or another. Please describe your abilities to act in a quasi-judicial role and provide at least one example where you had to make and unpopular decision on an issued based upon a set of criteria or other certain considerations.* Resume (optional) Letter of Interest (optional) 5000 Characters Max I am "semi-retired" and have Mondays off and I don't foresee any conflicts for me to regularly attend PEC meetings on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. The PEC is often asked to act in a quasi-judicial (like a judge) on development applications. Decision making is guided by review criteria and findings of fact. The review criteria are prescribed by the Vail Town Code. 5000 Characters Max This is a tough question, and I can honestly say that I have not had to make an unpopular decision on an issue where certain criteria have been met within the legal parameters of town codes or where there are considerations that are controversial to my beliefs or world views and those of the constituents of the Town of Vail. However, that does not mean that I am adverse to that possibility and I understand that, as a member of a board or commission there will be occasions when a decision like that will arise. After running for Vail Town Council I have a much broader understanding of our community and the differing stances within our community regarding what is best for the community as a whole as well as the smaller working parts of the system that make it thrive as a whole now and in the future.