Town of Manchester Selectboard and Planning Commission
Joint Meeting Minutes for 10/25/23 – Draft
Manchester Community Library – 6:00 PM
Selectboard Attendees: Ivan Beattie (Chair), Greg Cutler, Laurie Kunz, Jan Nolan,
Heidi Chamberlain
Planning Commission Attendees: Phil Peterson (Chair), Megan Amundon, Wilbur Rice
Town Employees: Scott Murphy (Town Manager)
Zoom Attendees: David Archambault of Virtual Site Simulations, LLC.
Public Attendees: Ann Pierce, Steve Nichols, Wilbur Rice, Denise Scheps, Dee Murray, Mary Durland, Nancy Lear, Linda Benway, Phyllis Carlan, Tim Stevenson, Teresa Sourch, Martine Victor, Robin Fisher, Sue Allen, Sharry Rutken, Chris Rutken Kathy Dillmann, Ginny Baier, Dick Smith, Peter Kinder, Krista Watt, Bill Drunsic, Leah Parks, Susan Cunningham, Karen O’Neill, Sally Shaw, M. Peter Thomson, Ryan Miosek, Novela Adoue, Brian Sullivan, Brendon Gill, Sylvia Jolivette, and Ed Surjan
Meeting called to order by Beattie @ 6:02 PM
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Beattie. Beattie explained the purpose of the meeting and how those wishing to speak should sign a separate sign in sheet.
Peterson opened the Planning Commission meeting. Beattie opened the Selectboard meeting.
Brian Sullivan of MSK Attorneys introduced himself as representing the Verizon Wireless application for the construction of a wireless telecommunications facility at Hunter Park. He explained that the applicants need to notify area municipalities 60 days prior to submitting an application to the Vermont Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to obtain a Certificate of Public Good. He also introduced Brendan Gill who represents Vortex, a co-applicant for the Project. Sullivan discussed the parameters of the Project including how Act 248A works and then introduced David Archambault of Virtual Site Simulations, LLC. whose company conducted a balloon test on the proposed site. Archambault reviewed the results of the balloon test via zoom. Gill spoke of the need for the expanded coverage and demonstrated the current coverage and proposed coverage with the new cell tower. He also mentioned that the top 5’ of the Tower is reserved for use by the local emergency services. Sullivan discussed the other carriers who may be added to the tower for co-location to minimize the need for multiple cell towers in an area.
Public Questions: The public had 17 members sign up to speak and were limited to 5 minutes for their comments. Many members discussed their concerns including the location being potentially harmful for recreational users near Riley Rink especially children. Other comments included questioning why the tower had to be 140’ high and could they lower the height. They also discussed whether other possible locations might be better suited for this Project. They discussed neighborhood impact, the effects on wildlife, additional health concerns, and other comments. Others supported the Project as a much-needed resource to aid in cell service coverage.
Closing
The Selectboard and the Planning Commission took no immediate action and will take the public comments under advisement.
____________________________________________________________
Approved by the Manchester Selectboard Date
____________________________________________________________
Approved by the Manchester Planning Commission Date