Town of Manchester

Selectboard Meeting

Minutes for 8/22/2023 – (draft)

Call to Order by Beattie @ 7:00

Pledge of Allegiance – led by Greg Cutler

Selectboard Attendees: Ivan Beattie, Greg Cutler, Jan Nolan, Lauri Kunz

Absent: Heidi Chamberlain

Town Employees: Town Manager, Scott Murphy.

Public Attendees: Sylvia Jolivette, Steve Nichols, Cat Bryars, Matt Moore, Curan Vanderwielen, Kiev Rattee, Debbie Douglass, Wilbur Rice, Scott Jentis, Martine Victor, Phil Peterson, Steven and Carol Berry, Norma and Joe Will, Deborah Doherty

Zoom Attendees: Melanie Johnson, Robin.

Public Comments Jentis complained about the new sewer line construction noise on Main St and the bumps left by the patch paving. Nichols asked the Selectboard to remember Brenda Madkour who recently passed away.

Approve Minutes of 8/8/2023 (Regular meeting). Motioned by Kunz, seconded by Cutler, Nolan abstained, All in Favor 3-0. Approve Minutes of Special Meeting 8/10/2023 Motioned by Nolan,

seconded by Kunz, All in Favor 4-0.

Approve Tobacco License for Village Market & Gas, LLC 557 Depot St.

Motion by Cutler, seconded by Nolan,  All in Favor 4-0.

Selectboard Decision on the Shires Housing/Evernorth proposed Development of Town-Owned Depot St Properties

Beattie explained that the Selectboard had decided not to move forward with the signing of a proposed Purchase Option Agreement with The Shires/Evernorth group regarding the town-owned Depot St properties. Beattie said that the Board was concerned that if the Project moved forward, it would limit the potential sale of the front buildings due to the limited parking and thereby reduce their value. He reiterated that there are a lot of moving pieces concerning the property and feels that another opportunity to help develop housing in Town may be coming soon. He hopes The Shires/Evernorth group would consider working with the Town again on a future project to help develop more housing and thanked them for their time and money spent on this proposal.

Nichols asked the Board to consider including language in any future sales contracts that would force the buyer to include housing in their potential projects.

Accept Planning Commission Report for Proposed Revisions to the Town’s Land Use & Development Ordinance

Murphy explained the process of amending the current Ordinance. Peterson described the proposed changes and noted that item #5 on the summary sheet had not been approved by the Planning Commission. Beattie asked Peterson to briefly discuss each of the 29 proposals, which Peterson did. Kunz asked about item #4 which included a provision for removing the owner-occupancy requirement. Nichols reminded the Board that without enforcement of the Ordinances, then they are worthless. Beattie explained the role of the Zoning Administrator in the enforcement process. Jolivette wanted the Board to retain local control.

Set Date for Public Meeting for Verizon Wireless Telecommunications Facility

Beattie said the Board is only setting a date for the Public Meeting, not discussing concerns at this meeting. Victor asked the Board to request from Verizon three things: a balloon-test for height, a Propagation map, and a representative from the Public Utilities Commission to be in attendance. Berry wanted the Board to be aware of the amount of radiation cell towers generate.

The Selectboard decided to wait until their next meeting to set a date.

Appoint Town Manager to be voting delegate at the Annual VLCT Meetings

Nolan motioned, Kunz seconded to appoint the Town Manager as the voting delegate at the annual VLCT Town Fair Meetings. All in favor 4-0.

Town Manager Updates

a.   Tax Sale results: Murphy said that there were approx. 75 people at the tax sale and that the bidding was very spirited. Jolivettte asked about the bidding process.

b.  The Summer programs at the Manchester Rec Park have ended and Murphy review the numbers of the programs which showed high attendance and thanked Brian Van Horn for taking on two leadership roles during this busy time.

Other Business (Selectboard Members)

Next regular meeting 9/12/23

Nolan motioned to adjourn, seconded by Kunz, all in favor.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:27 pm