08-01-2019 Planning Commission Meeting
Town of Fairlee Town Hall
Grange Room
75 Town Common Road
Fairlee, VT 05045
Thursday, August 1, 2019
PRESENT
Commission Members: Smith Reed, Chair; Miranda Clemson, Vice Chair; Sarah Berger; Tim Danen; Denis Lambert
Selectboard Members: Peter Berger, Cathy McGrath
Zoning Administrator: Chris Brimmer
Board Clerk: Joanna Bligh
CALL TO ORDER: 6:15 PM
Smith Reed called the meeting to order. A quorum was met.
REVIEW OF MINUTES
MOTION: Tim Danen moved and Miranda Clemson seconded the motion to accept the Meeting Minutes from July 11, 2019, as written. The vote passed unanimously.
REVIEW OF TOWN PLAN SECTION DRAFTS
ENERGY
Reed introduced the 12-page Energy section of the Town Plan with revisions completed by Paige Greenfield (TRORC ) for members’ review. Reed stated that the State of Vermont renewable energy goal according to ACT 174 (Energy Development Improvement Act of 2016) is 90% renewables by 2050. Chris Brimmer stated that TRORC will certify at the next meeting that this Energy section meets state requirements.
[Cathy McGrath entered the meeting at 6:32 PM]
Discussion continued regarding the wording in the Energy section. Clemson recommended removing the text related to hydropower because there is no hydro infrastructure in Fairlee. Discussion lead to the availability of financial incentives for residents to adopt renewable energy. Tim Danen suggested that after the Town Plan vote, a forum be developed with the Energy Committee to inform and educate residents about the need for renewable energy goals in the Town of Fairlee.
Next Meeting
On Thursday, August 15, at 6:00 PM, the Planning Commission will meet with Greenfield to review and finalize all sections of the Town Plan.
LAND USE MAP
The members reviewed the revisions to the Town’s Land Use Map, including the locations of forest blocks, watersheds, wildlife corridors, and residential/water district areas to meet the requirements of Act 171 (Vermont Planning Statutes that encourage and allow municipalities to address protection of forest blocks and habitat connectors). A public meeting to review the Land Use Map with Town residents was suggested.
MOTION: Tim Danen moved and Miranda Clemson seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. ADJOURN: 7:54 PM
Attest: Joanna Bligh, Board Clerk