Planning Commission
Monday, February 27, 2023, 7:00 PM
Board Members: Leon Ward, Megan Amundson, Phil Peterson, Chris Glabach
Town Staff: Leslie Perra, Interim Town Manager
Attendees: Larry Feragazo, Debbie Hayes McGray, Ken McGraw, Mark Lenza, Mike Tuller, Debbie Douglass
Attendees via Zoom: None
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Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM.
Minutes from December 12, 2022
Amundson motioned, Ward seconded to approve the minutes. Motion passed 3-0-0
2022 Working Zoning Revisions
Peterson brought up a revisit from Free-standing signs and Dormitories. Amundson also stated this predated her on the Planning Commission. Ward was on the board at that time. Peterson received clarification from Janet Hurley and this is free-standing signs in the rural agricultural district. This would allow for signs every 300'. Signs have to be less than 8 square feet. If they are less than 1.5 square feet they are exempt from this ordinance. Ward wanted to keep the sings 50' to 100' from each other. Amundson asked if this also included a side setback. Peterson stated it is only a front setback, no side setback. Amundson would prefer to have an example of this. Peterson recommends putting in a 50' side setback.
Dormitories - Peterson recommends that dormitories should not be a conditional use. A dormitory is a structure to house students by a school. Peterson feels the only place a dormitory should be conditional use is in the downtown district and make it a permitted use in the districts they feel it is appropriate. Amundson feels that it should remain permitted in the downtown district. Peterson recommended they table this item until a future meeting so the committee has an opportunity to think about this.
RV/Campers -
Audience disrupted the meeting, thus this item did not get discussion.
Running Project Updates
Alternative Transportation Joint Town/Village Study - Peterson provided an update and we are waiting for grants to open in the spring.
Depot Street RFP - Perra stated they will presented at the Selectboard Meeting on 2/28/23. Much discussion by the audience. Perra recommended they attend the Selectboard Meeting on 2/28/23 as this is for the Selectboard to decide, not the Planning Commission.
Housing Initiatives - Peterson gave brief information on this meeting. The next meeting will be March 8, 2023. Extensive discussion on mixed use in the downtown and flooding zones by the audience.
NDA Reconfiguration - Peterson mentioned there is a problem with this as you cannot include the river corridor in the NDA, so they are asking for relief around the wider area and build on the wider area further away from the river banks. There is missing language in the zoning ordinance. This will be added to the list that BCRC has and is working on for us. Peterson does not have the specific language.
Sewer Line Extension - Perra noted the RFP has not gone out yet, but we are getting closer. DPW and Water & Sewer have reviewed the plan and provided input.
STR Study - Peterson stated this is not too far along and that is has just started. It may take two months for the final study.
Town Plan - Peterson noted we have not heard about the grant for this. Perra noted, that if we do get the grant this will go out for quotes, not just to BCRC. This has not been assigned to a person or organization. We do not have the expertise in house to write our own plan.
ZA / Planner Position(s) - Perra stated the town will only be hiring one person for the Zoning / Planning Administrator. She said we have a very capable Assistant Zoning Administrator that can help with the workload and did not happen in the past. Peterson stated that the person should have more of a planning background. Perra noted the zoning is still the number one priority. They will need to be able to do planning also. This is one position and this came from the selectboard.
Other Business
Larry Faragazo recommended that we hire a building inspector. Amundson agreed.
Glabach motioned to adjourn. Amundson seconded. Motion passed 4-0-0. 8:30 p.m.
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For the Planning Commission Date