Meeting Minutes - PC
Town of Leicester
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
*Unapproved*
** See subsequent minutes for any changes
Members Present: Donna Swinington, Chair, Pete Fjeld, Jeff McDonough
Others Present: Gerry Flint, Cecile Todd, Linda Pitkin, Jim Russo, Al Watson, Sandra Trombley, Secretary
Call to Order & Roll Call: Donna called the PC Meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. with roll call.
Donna welcomed everyone. She was pleased that there were visitors at their meeting.
Reviewed Agenda:
James Russo’s Interest in Serving on Planning Commission:
Jim prepared a letter of interest to serve on the Planning Commission. Jim explained some life history with coming back to Leicester and his current employment and his desire of getting involved with the Town. He is currently working as Chair of the Listers, and recently appointed as the Health Officer for the Town. His interest lies in Leicester; where Leicester has been and where it is going. He is interested in bringing the community forward, making Leicester Shine; so to speak. Jeff asked about Jim’s employer to be sure there was no conflict of interest if Jim were appointed to the Board.
Motion by Jeff to pass Jim’s letter of interest on to the Selectboard for the October 17, 2011 meeting. Second by Peter. All in favor. So approved.
Town Plan Revisions:
Donna reported that Bethany has resigned from both Planning and ZBA as of October 10, 2011. Donna read her letter of resignation into the record. Bethany passed along all her information, edits and notes and revisions.
Donna reported that due to the late date and the holiday, she was unable to contact Kevin and was unable to get a copy of the latest draft for tonight.
Donna explained some history of the Town Plan to the visitors, our grant, Regional Planning’s role, Clair’s role. Kate has offered to edit our revised Town Plan for us.
The draft we have been working from is the July 8th draft. We have had public feedback from the community.
Next Thursday, October 20, 2011 at 6:00 p.m., Adam Lougee, lawyer from Regional Planning will be coming to help with the Land Use portion of the Town Plan.
Donna explained that the Town Plan needs to be adopted by the Selectboard before we can revise zoning regulations. The Town Plan reflects your goals and visions for your town. The zoning regulations are very specific on how you get there.
Cecile felt the town’s people would vote for the money to revise the Town Plan because most people are in favor of zoning.
Public Comment:
Cecile explained why she, Gerry and Al were there. They were wondering what the town’s plan was for the area behind their property. In back of their property, the landowner has been logging his property. Vermont’s Forest and Parks doesn’t seem to care. They have concerns about water run-off if there is a subdivision. They are wondering if anything is going to be changed in the Town Plan for behind them. It’s been all forestry in the past.
Donna explained that when a subdivision comes before the Planning Commission, all the engineering has to be professionally done before it even comes before the PC. They need to show professional engineering maps to show water run-off, house sites, septic, driveways, roads, etc. It is a very long and complicated process. You must to adhere to all zoning regulations.
Donna invited everyone to come next Thursday night, October 20th at 6:00 p.m. Adam Lougee will be at the meeting helping with the Land Use portion of the revised Town Plan.
Donna will try to get a copy of the most current revised plan from Kevin before our next meeting.
Jim asked questions about the Town Plan process versus Zoning process. He picked up information such as the Lake Pattern booklet, Zoning By-Laws, Town Plan and the public meeting material to review.
Jim was asked if he was interested in serving on the Zoning Board; as well as the Planning Commission. Jim indicated he was interested in both positions.
Donna will send a letter to the Selectboard recommending Jim Russo to the Boards.
Approve Minutes of September 14, 2011:
Motion by Pete to approve minutes of September 14, 2011 as written. Second by Jeff. All in favor. So approved.
New Business: None
Adjourn:
Motion by Jeff to adjourn PC meeting at 6:45 p.m. Second by Peter. All in favor. So approved.
Next special meeting scheduled Thursday, October 20, 2011 with Adam Lougee at 6:00 P.M.
Next regularly scheduled PC meeting, Wednesday, November 9, 2011.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandra L. Trombley
Planning Commission Secretary