PC Meeting Agenda & Minutes 03-11-25
Meeting of Leicester Planning Commission
Agenda for Tuesday, March 11, at the Town Hall at 6:00 p.m.
Call to Order
Roll Call
Approve Previous Minutes
Review of Town Meeting Day Poll Results
Review of Town Plan Components
Plan next Steps, next meeting date
Adjourn
Leicester Planning Commission Meeting Minutes (unapproved)
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 6:01 p.m. White Building
Present: Members Jay Michael, Suki Fredericks, Donna Swinington (Chair), Jeff McDonough, Bill Shouldice; Diane Benware (Selectboard Chair), Lyndsay D'Avignon (Alternate)
Meeting called to order by Chair Donna Swinington, followed by roll call. Introductions were made.
Diane had prepared copies of [draft] Leicester’s application to the Municipal Planning Grant FY25. The board reviewed the responses. Answers met qualifications. Thank you for your time and efforts, Diane. To be thorough, there will need to be further investigation into current local projects, particularly surrounding the school.
The poll that was created using Microsoft Forms (MF) was distributed at Town Meeting and to volunteers voting in the Local Election (March 3 and 4, respectively). Efforts were made to spread the word to non-voting residents. Results were presented as summarized by MF.
The Board agreed that the poll had been a success with 164 responses. According to MF, 82 responses indicated preserving resources. This aspect of the Town Plan will be addressed in the grant application as Forest Block Mapping (ACT171) and Future Land Use Planning (ACT181). It is a required addition to the Leicester Town Plan.
The Board reviewed the “Other” responses. There was discussion about updates in progress to VT State Legislature regarding housing, ie: condemnation, ie: Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs). Discussion about vehicle safety in the Leicester Four Corners, as well as pedestrian safety within Leicester. Discussion about the school and the potential for change at the district level.
The Board agreed that the most successful methods of public outreach will likely be face-to-face. Proposals included: summer gathering, setting up table at recycling drop off and/or Green-Up Day event, hosting bingo, posting on FrontPorchForum, and creating a town Facebook page.
The grant application continued to be reviewed for accuracy. The board agreed with the contents of the application, updated accordingly, and planned a final review meeting.
February 18 Minutes were reviewed. Jeff made a motion to approve; Donna and Suki second; Board approved.
NEXT STEPS:
Diane and Katie will connect to update and finalize Municipal Planning Grant Application.
Members will continue to read/review the current plan and make notes, write down questions and suggestions.
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, Mar 25, at 6:00 p.m. at the Town Office.
Meeting adjourned at 7:25 PM motioned by Jeff; seconded by Lyndsay; Board approved.
Respectfully submitted:
Lyndsay D’Avignon, Planning Commission Alternate