2023-05-08

Planning Commission

Monday, May 8, 2023, 7:00 PM

Board Members: Megan Amundson, Chris Glabach, Phil Peterson

Absent: Leon Ward

Town Resident Attendees: Steve Nichols

Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:04 PM.

Minutes from March 13, 2023

Glabach motioned, Amundson seconded the approval of the minutes from March 13, 2023.  Motion passed 3-0-0.

2022/23 Working Zoning Revisions

Peterson reviewed the draft changes that BCRC made in the zoning ordinance (Z0). There were 23 provisions of the ZO that were amended. Peterson distributed a spreadsheet showing the 23 changes, an explanation of each, and section numbers of the ZO that are affected.

The PC tentatively agreed with all the changes but will confirm their approval at the June PC meeting after they’ve had a chance to review each change in detail. The plan is to finalize agreement on the change and then begin drafting the statutory report required by the state to serve as the official document to be shared with Town residents as the basis for public hearings that will likely begin in July or August.

One issue with drafting the report is that due to having no zoning administrator on staff, no one currently on Town staff has the expertise to write that report. We will need to check with Scott Murphy (Town Manager) to assess who can write the report. If not, a decision will need to be made as to whether we should re-engage BCRC to do this work. 

There are several other changes that need to be made to the ZO, but those changes are more complex and potentially more impactful, therefore, more contentious. 

Running Project Updates

Housing Task Force (HTF) Update - Peterson provided information from the HTF concerning how the HTF is organizing its work groups, experts that are presenting and how to receive and assess the Shires Housing proposal for Depot St.

STR Study - Peterson stated that Doug Kennedy is expecting to have preliminary results this week regarding the economic impact of STRs.

Town Plan - Peterson stated we have been approved by the state for the municipal planning grant. Now, we need to either accept it or reject it. Scott will take care of this following conversations with the Selectboard.    

ZA/Planner Position – Peterson stated that we have second interviews lined up this week with two candidates that have already met with some Town staff.

Other Business

None

Amundsen motioned to adjourn. Glabach seconded.  Motion passed 3-0-0.  8:27 p.m.

Next meeting will be on June 12 at 7:00 pm.

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For the Planning Commission                                                                    Date