MANCHESTER HOUSING TASK FORCE
April 12, 2023
Manchester Town Hall – Kilburn Meeting Room
5:30-7:00 P.M.
Meeting Minutes
President called meeting to order at 5:30
In attendance: Ed Morrow, Melanie Johnson, Judd Hoffman, Victoria Silsby, John Burnham, Gordon Black
Attending by Zoon: Seth Bongartz
Absent: Cat Bryars, Kathleen James, Kevin Nielsen
Public attending by Zoom: Andrew Jacobs, Greg Boshart, Rory Price, Kathleen O’Reilly
Minutes of March 22, 2023 meeting
Judd Hoffman made motion to accept the minutes as circulated on March 23, 2023
Gordon Black moved to accept the minutes.
John Burnham seconded the motion
7 in favor/0 opposed, Motion Carries
Victoria Silsby asked how to record public attendees. Gordon Black confirmed sign in sheet records public attendees.
Goals and Strategies: Develop and Finalize
Gordon Black opened discussion stating Shires Housing is looking for a confirmation by June 1 from Selectboard as to whether town wants to move forward with them.
Ed Morrow reminded committee the project doesn’t address middle income
Melanie suggested meeting with Madison Kramer as a subcommittee and make recommendations
Subcommittees: Identify and Finalize
● Three (3) subcommittees:
○ Town Owned (longer term): Ed Morrow, Seth Bongartz, Melanie Johnson
■ Meet with Madison Kramer
○ Private Land/Communications-Publics Relations: John Burnham, Cat Bryars, Victoria Silsby
■ Review any opportunities and barriers as related to zoning; income levels,
what do we need to communicate and how and when
○ Infill development (ADU-Short Term): Gordon Black, Kathleen James, Judd Hoffman
■ What have other towns, cities done? When is the timeline of the short term study
*Ed recommends cross interaction/communication
*Each subcommittee agree to meet within next two weeks-prior to biweekly meeting
Gordon Black made motion to accept committees as named
John Burnham seconded the motion
7 in favor/0 opposed, Motion Carries
Health Impact Assessments:
Presentation from Rory Price, Bennington County Office of Local Health
aid in decision making tool for projects evaluates and supports health equity
Public Comments/Questions
Linda: subcommittees: what are other towns doing? ADU committee will look at other towns doing-suggests other two committees look at other towns
HTF committee will meet about 1x per month with subcommittees meeting more frequently
Meeting procedures: where are minutes saved and accessible by public?
VT short term alliance is a good place to start; Woodstock did some housing projects ahead of the state
Other Business
Judd will send an email to Kevin Nielson
Next HTF Committee Meeting is on May 10th, 5:30pm
Gordon Black made motion to adjourn John Burnham seconded motion to adjourn 7 in favor/0 opposed, Motion Carries
Meeting adjourned at 6:23pm