Planning Commission Minutes 5-13-2021

Publish date: May 14, 2021

Planning Commission 5-13-2021

TOWN OF RUTLAND PLANNING COMMISSION

MEETING MINUTES

 DATE: May 13th, 2021

Publicly accessible conference line

OPEN MEETING 6:30 P.M.

Commission Members Present: Chair Barbara Pulling, Dana Peterson, Howard Burgess, Sherman Hunter, Andy McKane, Mary Beth Poli, Jim Hall, and Norman Cohen

Members of the Public Present: None

Approval of the Agenda:

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

New Business: VELCO 45-Day Notice North Rutland Substation Project

  1. This topic came up during their subdivision hearing discussion.
  2. There is nothing new or unexpected.

Old Business: Update on Center Rutland Pocket Park first stakeholders meeting

  1. Several groups were represented, including the property owner, GMP.
  2. There are now 8 proposed parking spots based on input from Byron Hathaway.
  3. There was discussion about moving the proposed boat launch further North, placing it under the bridge, making it easier and safer to launch boats.
  4. There was discussion about the lack of a suitable take-out location in Proctor. The Proctor Select Board has in the past voted against installing a formal take-out structure.
  5. There was a discussion about creating one near the Rutland Town / Proctor line, but this would not allow for a long ride on the river. The Pocket Park design can still move forward but the addition of the launch site may need to be discussed if an appropriate takeout site down stream would not be available.
  6. Discussed the vegetation, trees and brush in the area and logistics of removing it. The initial plan is to target the invasive species for removal.
  7. There are aspects of the project that exist in the VTrans right of way. Once property lines are established a discussion will need to be had with them.
  8. Metal, permanent grills were recommended as well as not installing garbage cans, to encourage carry in / carry out.
  9. A meeting with people regarding history of the area is coming.

Old Business: Update on discussion with Select Board re: potential conservation commission.

  1. A 1-page summary was provided to the Select Board to review.
  2. They will discuss this topic at their June 8th meeting, and have asked for additional information on these commissions, including how other towns have used them.
  3. Information to present to the Select Board will be discussed at the June 3rd Planning Commission meeting.
  4. The group could be specialized to manage the pocket park and other trails, or focus on energy conservation, or land conservation.
  5. It is likely a town wide vote would be required to establish the committee.
  6. Discussed land owned by the Town and the possibility of the commission being able to manage these parcels. There are 2, 100-acre parcels in West Rutland which would be a resource this group could help with managing as well as other parcels.
  7. Discussed whether members participating in this group would receive any reimbursement. There may be guidelines, but a clear answer was not known. This will be researched and brought up at a future meeting.

Old Business: Tabled town energy committee discussion

  1. Materials were sent out by Mr. Cohen to the commission members. More feedback is needed and will be used to help guide what the committee could do.
    1. A variety of topics for what this committee could do were discussed. Mr. Cohen will compile the feedback from members and make available for a future meeting.
  2. Discussed if the Select Board is interested in having this committee formed. The interest is coming from the Planning Commission group and not driven by a Select Board request.
  3. The scope of this committee is not clear. Mr. Peterson suggested polling the group to ensure everyone is on the same page for the direction of this group.
  4. Mr. Cohen will resend his request and the group will consider the options and discuss at a future meeting.

Old Business: Review Article 4 of draft airstrip/helipad ordinance (pp 4-6)

  1. The first draft was sent to the group.
  2. The contact from the state will be sent a copy to be able to review and give recommendations on any technical information we may not be aware of.
  3. Reviewed the document and discussed comments on the draft. Several changes and corrections were discussed. A new draft will be circulated.

Announcements

There were no announcements.

Approval of minutes April 22nd, 2021:

Mr. Cohen moved to accept the minutes. Mr. Hunter seconded the motion. After some changes were made, Mr. Cohen moved to approve the minutes as amended. Mr. Hunter seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Peterson abstained from the vote.

Adjournment:

Mr. Hunter moved to adjourn. Mr. Cohen seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 7:59 PM.

Respectfully submitted, Bill Sweet

 

______________________________________

Barbara Pulling

Rutland Town Planning Commission Chair

 

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