Planning Commission Minutes 3-9-2023

Planning Commission Minutes 3-9-2023

TOWN OF RUTLAND PLANNING COMMISSION

MEETING MINUTES

 DATE: March 9^th, 2023

LOCATION: Town Hall and a publicly accessible conference line

OPEN MEETING 6:30 P.M.

Commission Members Present: Chair Barbara Pulling, Dana Peterson, Jerry Stearns, Howard Burgess, Sherman Hunter, Andy McKane, Mary Beth Poli, Jim Hall and Norman Cohen. Mr. McKane elected not to be a voting member for this meeting. Mr. Cohen was a voting member for this meeting.

Members of the Public Present:  Donovan Ward

Approval of the Agenda:

Two new items need to be added. The developer for the Hawley Lane Subdivision asked to speak with the Commission, and officers for this year need to be elected.

Mr. Cohen moved to amend the agenda by adding these items under New Business. Mr. Peterson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

New Business: Commission to meet with Donovan Ward regarding the Hawley Lane Subdivision

Plans are moving forward and getting power to these new lots is being worked on. The right of way goes through Tenney Brook and they are looking at the best option to cross it. The Subdivision regulations require utilities be placed under ground. This would require digging up the brook, and some wetlands. There is a provision to waive the requirement. They are proposing to run utilities underground, have 2 to 3 poles places to run power over these affected areas, and then continue underground. The specific section of the Ordinance was reviewed. Most of the required permits have been approved.

After discussion, the Commission requested to see the plans to show where the poles will be placed. Mr. Ward will get them to us and make them available for a future meeting.

New Business: Election of Officers for 2023

Mr. Cohen nominated Barbara Noyes-Pulling for Chair and Dana Peterson for Vice Chair. Mr. Stearns seconded the nominations. There were no other nominations. The Commission approved these nominations.

Old Business: Review the draft Short Term Rental Ordinance

1. Discussed changes to the language in various sections, and adding definitions for clarity.
2. Discussed setting a date for a public information meeting. After some discussion, April 20^th will be the target date.
3. Additional discussions will be had at future meetings.

Old Business: Finalize the Revised Permit Tracking Ordinance

1. The Select Board asked for a review of a definition for the removal of “animals” from the building definition.
2. The Commission approved the recommendation, the term is being removed.
3. The ordinance will be sent back to the Board for approval and adoption.

Old Business: Pocket Park Update

1. Green Mountain Power published their official notice for the dam relicensing.
2. The topic of a previous park suggestion years ago came up from FERC. GMP affirmed the park project is moving on with full approval from the Town.
3. The archeological work still needs to be done.

Old Business: Discuss the potential river corridor ordinance.

1. Kyle Medash has been contacted to get some background to see what benefit other towns have seen from this.
2. Discussed ideas for outreach, including field visits, targeting areas which would have the biggest impact on residents.
3. Reviewed a map showing the river corridors in Town.

Announcements

Four members have terms expiring. They are Mr. Hunter, Mr. Burgess, Mr. McKane, and Mr. Stearns. They would all like to remain on the Planning Commission. This will be brought to the Board.

Approval of Minutes February 16^th, 2023

Mr. Peterson moved to approve the minutes. Mr. Hunter seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Adjournment:

Mr. Burgess moved to adjourn. Mr. Stearns seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at 8:17 PM.

Respectfully submitted, Bill Sweet

______________________________________

Barbara Pulling

Rutland Town Planning Commission Chair