Planning Commission Minutes 10-24-2024

Planning Commission Minutes 10-24-2024

TOWN OF RUTLAND PLANNING COMMISSION

MEETING MINUTES

 

DATE: October 24^th, 2024

LOCATION: Town Hall and a publicly accessible conference line

OPEN MEETING 6:30 P.M.

 

Commission Members Present: Chair Barbara Pulling, Dana Peterson, Howard Burgess, Sherman Hunter, Andy McKane, Jerry Stearns, Mary Beth Poli, and Norm Cohen. All members are voting members for this meeting except for Mr. Cohen.

Members of the Public Present:  Scott and Nancy Goodrich

Approval of the Agenda:

Mr. Hunter moved to approve the agenda. Mr. McKane seconded the motion. A discussion for the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan was added. The motion passed unanimously as amended.

New Business Scott and Nancy Goodrich Subdivision Application

1. Discussed the request with the owners.
2. The basic requirements were reviewed. All were present.
3. Discussed any waivers for the application. Waivers for parts 7, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 are being requested.
4. The application is considered complete. Mr. Peterson moved to approve the application for a final hearing, which will be planned for November 14^th. Mr. McKane seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

New Business: Local Hazard Mitigation Plan update

1. Bill Sweet gave the Commission an update on the plan work.
2. There is a committee working to update the Town Plan. The draft was presented to the Selectboard at their recent meeting.
3. Comments from department heads, and the public are now open. The period will be closed at the next Selectboard meeting on November 4^th.
4. Commission members will do their best to review the plan and get their feedback into Bill prior to the November meeting.

Old Business: Updates to the Subdivision Ordinance

1. Reviewed the updated document with edits and suggestions from the Town Attorney included.
2. There are at least 2 sections which had very extensive suggestions and require a larger rewrite.
3. A small ad hoc group will meet to review the specific suggestions and come up with new language.

Old Business: Update on Act 181

1. Discussed how this can apply to the Town due to our layout.
2. The requirements to get the least State level regulation required implementing several new policies or ordinances in town including zoning.
3. Progress of this legislation will be watched to see how it develops and works for other communities.

Old Business: Review river corridor ordinance

1. Discussed having reps from the State come back and talk to the Commission on river corridors.
2. The Commission has identified certain sections which they would like to go farther in depth with details.

Announcements

The Selectboard is planning their final budget planning meeting for December 10^th. Discussed needs for the Planning Commission. No big changes to budget needs are anticipated.

There are some grant opportunities for our Pocket Park. The Selectboard is interested in pursuing them.

The Selectboard is considering a full-time Rec Director position. A Conservation Commission could be a part of this role.

Jim Hall has announced he will be retiring at the end of this calendar year.

Approval of Minutes October 3^rd, 2024:

Mr. Peterson moved to approve the minutes. Mr. Stearns seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Cohen abstained.

Adjournment:

Mr. Hunter moved to adjourn. Mr. McKane seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 7:58PM.

 

Respectfully submitted, Bill Sweet

 

______________________________________       ____________

Barbara Pulling                                                           Date

Rutland Town Planning Commission Chair