Planning Commission
Monday, March 13, 2023, 7:00 PM
Board Members: Leon Ward, Megan Amundson, Phil Peterson
Town Staff: Leslie Perra, Interim Town Manager
Attendees: Debbie Douglass, Steve Nichols, Greg Fleming
Attendees via Zoom: Megan Amundson
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Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:07 PM.
Minutes from January 9, 2023 and February 27, 2023
Ward motioned, Amundson seconded the approval of the minutes from January 9, 2023 and February 27, 2023. Motion passed 3-0-0.
2022 Working Zoning Revisions
Dormitories - Specifically applies to students and schools. Board recommends that wherever dormitories is listed as conditional use be changed to permitted use. This will be codified and addressed at public hearings.
Steve Nichols has a concern regarding enforcement. We continue to add onto the regulations, which requires more enforcement and a lack of staff for the enforcement.
This comment was made at the February meeting as well. Peterson reiterated that the job of the Planning Commission is to revise the zoning ordinance to respond to the issues that need resolving to benefit and improve the quality of life for all the Town's residents. The ability to enforce is not the Planning Commission's responsibility and is not a reason to ignore changes that improve the zoning ordinance. He also emphasized that self-enforcement is always assumed to be the responsibility of every resident in complying with Town rules and maintaining public behavior that creates a strong sense of community.
RV/Campers - Recommend we have building code for RVs which are stored long-term. Homeowners can live there full time, but a guest can only stay there six months. Tiny homes would also need specific language. All of these have specific state requirements. Nichols stated we may be going too far with these things with the lack of staff and enforcement requirements. Perra stated enforcement should be fair and consistent across the board and this should be brought up to the selectboard.
Amundson will come up with thoughts on how to ensure sidewalks are not waiverable.
Amundson left the meeting at 8:00 p.m.
Running Project Updates
Housing Task Force Update - Peterson provided information from the housing task force and the review of properties that could be good for workforce housing.
Sewer Line Extension - Perra stated the RFPs will be rolled out soon.
STR Study - Peterson stated the study is just getting going.
Town Plan - Peterson stated we are still waiting to hear about the grant.
ZA/Planner Position - Perra noted the position has been posted, no applications at this point.
Other Business
Steve Nichols had questions regarding the Shires Housing proposal regarding parking and flood zone. Perra noted that we need to let the process work itself out, Brownfield Study, Housing Task Force. etc. Perra recommended that issues be brought up to the Housing Task Force, as this is not something the Planning Commission is in charge of.
Steve Nichols asked about the sewer line extension. Perra provided information on the grant funding and the process for the RFPs. Nichols asked about the Richville Road project and why 7A was put before this area. Perra recommended that Nichols attend the selectboard meeting to bring up the concerns.
Ward stated he may bring back a recommendation he made three years, which would have businesses put up white lights in the wintertime.
Peterson motioned to adjourn. Ward seconded. Motion passed 4-0-0. 8:09 p.m.
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For the Planning Commission Date