Planning Commission Minutes 4-22-2021

4-22-2021

TOWN OF RUTLAND PLANNING COMMISSION

MEETING MINUTES

 DATE: April 22^nd, 2021

Publicly accessible conference line

OPEN MEETING 6:30 P.M.

Commission Members Present: Chair Barbara Noyes-Pulling, Howard Burgess, Sherman Hunter, Mary Beth Poli, Jim Hall and Norman Cohen

Members of the Public Present: None

Approval of the Agenda:

Mr. Hunter moved to approve the agenda. Mr. Burgess seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

New Business: Discuss research into regulating private helipads and airstrips.

1. The discussion had at the last meeting was reviewed.
2. An addition to the Town Plan would need to be made, or a separate ordinance, if we wanted to regulate these projects.
3. There are no guidelines or models to draw from.
4. There is some language from various towns and cities from other parts of the country, but nothing locally.
5. Discussed if this is something the group wanted to work on, and whether it should be a new ordinance or be added to the Town Plan. The group decided to proceed under the assumption of working toward an ordinance. It could be referenced in the Town Plan next time it is amended or renewed.

New Business: Continue discussion on potential town conservation commission; review information.

1. About half of Vermont Town have a Conservation Commission. Some information was distributed to the members.
2. There are no real efforts locally that are part of what this group could do.
3. They could be used for conservation efforts, putting lands into trust, creating parks and trails. There is a wide range of abilities.
4. Each town is different depending on its governmental structure and unique characteristics.
5. Once the group is established, landowners could go through the group to donate land for conservation.
6. Commission members will be attending some seminars to be able to bring back ideas to the group and make a presentation to the Select Board.
7. Discussed whether the Rec department should take over maintenance for the proposed Pocket Park. This will be brought up the Select Board.

New Business: Update on Center Rutland Pocket Park grant

1. The first stake holders meeting should be in early May. There is a diverse group expected to participate.
2. Discussed splitting the park into 2 sections to develop ideas for each part.
3. These ideas and projects will then be brought to consultants to help develop a design.
4. A land survey bid request has been sent out.
5. Green Mountain Power would like to be a part of the groups to help shape the project

Old Business Tabled town energy committee discussion

• No action was taken on this.
• There is a comprehensive energy plan being developed at the State level and will filter down over the next couple of years.

Announcements

No announcements

Approval of minutes April 1^st, 2021:

Mr. Sherman moved to approve the minutes as corrected. Mr. Cohen seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Adjournment:

Mr. Burgess moved to adjourn. Mr. Hunter seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at 7:34 PM.

Respectfully submitted, Bill Sweet

 

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Barbara Noyes-Pulling

Rutland Town Planning Commission Chair