Meeting Minutes - PC
Town of Leicester
Planning Commission Meeting
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
*Unapproved*
** See subsequent minutes for any changes
Members Present: Donna Swinington, Chair, Jeff McDonough, Pete Fjeld
Others Present: Tom Barker, Ron Fiske, Diane Benware, Julie Delphia, Tweeter Felion, Charlie Johnson, Mary Bugnacki, Sandra Trombley, Secretary
Meeting called to order with roll call.
Chair explained that the purpose of the meeting tonight was a public meeting for public review of the final draft of the 2012 Town Plan.
The 2012 update is a vision for Leicester’s future; as well as, a strategic road map for current and future planning. Its purpose is to reflect the environmental, social, and economic issues and opportunities of the town, celebrate the many aspects of Leicester’s unique character, and provide guidance for protecting and cultivating the things that residents value most.
Leicester’s Town Plan serves a number of planning and legal purposes. It serves as a visionary guide for the town. As such, it should be a reference for town officials to aid their decision making processes. It establishes goals for action and implementation, and suggests specific implementation steps.
Chair opened the meeting up for comments.
Tweeter brought up the area around Huntley Farm on Bullock Road. Trees are now growing where it was hayed many years ago. He talked about the wetland. He asked questions about the Town Shed.
Ron explained that the project on the Bullock Road is a federal project and has nothing to do with the Planning Commission’s Town Plan.
Donna explained the purpose of this meeting was the review of the Town Plan. Any questions he might have about the Town Shed can be directed to the Selectboard.
Julie stated that Kate would like to add a historical paragraph on page 3 which talks about the Silver Lake Hotel and gives a little bit more history. Kate is coming in the office tomorrow.
Tom commented that the Selectboard is happy with the Plan and acknowledged the amount of work that had gone into it.
Julie went over the legal parts of the Plan. After this required Planning Commission hearing, the Planning Commission may make any changes as a result of this hearing prior to submitting the document to the legislative body. Then the Plan with any revisions will be submitted to the legislative body of the municipality. Simultaneously, a copy will be filed with the Town Clerk. The Selectboard would then warn a meeting at least 30 days from when the Planning Commission gives it to them and that’s when you start the formal adoption hearings.
Motion by Jeff to adopt Town Plan with addition of historical paragraph about Silver Lake on page 3. Second by Pete. All in favor. So approved.
Julie will add the paragraph and give to the Selectboard on Monday, July 16th. There will be another hearing over a month from now, where you can come back if there are any further things. Hopefully at that time, the Selectboard will adopt it. That will allow us to start working on the zoning by-laws to get them done and up-to-date.
Tweeter again, asked about the project on Bullock Road. He asked when the next Selectboard meets.
Tom stated we might be able to find out what they are doing, but it’s a federal government project.
Julie mentioned that after the meeting, they could look at the tax map to see who the property owners are.
Motion by Jeff to approve minutes for March 14, 2012, April 9, 2012 and May 31, 2012 as written. Second by Pete. All in favor. So approved.
Motion by Jeff to adjourn meeting at 6:15 p.m. Second by Pete. All in favor. So approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandra L. Trombley
PC Secretary