03-01-2018 Planning Commission Meeting
Town of Fairlee Town Hall
Grange Room
75 Town Common Road
Fairlee, VT 05045
Thursday, March 1, 2018
PRESENT
Commission Members: Mark Bishop, Chair; Miranda Clemson; Denis Lambert; E. Smith Reed; Sarah Berger
Minutes Clerk: Joanna Bligh
CALL TO ORDER: 6:13 PM
Mark Bishop, Chair, called the meeting to order.
A quorum is met.
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS:
None.
REVIEW OF MINUTES
MOTION: Denis Lambert moved and Miranda Clemson seconded the motion to accept the Minutes from February 1, 2018, with modifications. The vote passed unanimously.
MEET AND GREET PROSPECTIVE COMMISSIONER
Mark Bishop noted that at Town Meeting three Planning Commission members are to be voted in. Smith Reed noted that he and Susanne Pacilio request to be nominated from the floor. Mark Bishop stated that an additional member is needed, and he will review his selection between now and the Town Meeting.
PUBLIC CONCERNS AND INPUT
Mark Bishop stated that there is no public input at this time.
TOWN PLAN DISCUSSION
Follow-Up: Internet Access in Underserved Areas
Mark Bishop met with the General Manager, Donald Ceresoli, Jr., of Topsham Communications LLC, East Corinth VT, to explore providing the underserved parts of Fairlee with Internet service. Smith Reed suggested that Topsham could possibly be provided with incentives for increasing their customer base by including customers in the underserved areas of Fairlee. Smith Reed suggested sending out a survey to Fairlee residents about their existing Internet service. Denis Lambert noted that a representative from each Internet-service company could address the Planning Commission about their available Internet services. Miranda Clemson stated that the Commission needs a better understanding of the Internet coverage in Fairlee. Mark Bishop suggested a marketing representative from one company come to the next meeting.
Discovery Map Advertising
Miranda Clemson stated that each Discovery Map is a franchise, there is an owner of the Upper Valley map, and businesses pay for their ads on the map. Miranda Clemson noted that the Rivendell School could possibly do the graphics once the Commission provided them with business details and GIS software, which the Town owns. Sarah Berger stated that pictorial maps can be used as placemats or placed in rest areas. Smith Reed suggested that a Town Marketing budget be used for the costs of preparing the maps. Mark Bishop suggested that the Commissioners propose the map concept to the Selectboard
Economic Development
Mark Bishop stated that Chris Brimmer previously sent an economic development draft document to the Commission members. The members stated they will share edited documents at the next meeting.
Social Infrastructure
Following up on the discussion at the last meeting about holding a Business Roundtable, Mark Bishop asked the members about inviting business people to attend the Planning Commission meetings.
ALOHA FOUNDATION
Mark Bishop suggested that the Commission discuss the impact of the Aloha Foundation Strategic Planning Memorandum. Sarah Berger noted that an industrial park would provide increased area for up-and-coming businesses, such as small food businesses or an industrial kitchen.
TOWN MEETING PREPARATION
Mark Bishop noted that at Town Meeting, Smith Reed and Susanne Pacilio will be nominated from the floor for the Planning Commission. Susanne Pacilio will talk to Margaret Gladstone to ask if she is interested in filling the vacancy on the Planning Commission.
MOTION: Smith Reed moved and Sarah Berger seconded the motion to close the meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURN: 7:52 PM
Attest: Joanna Bligh, Minutes Clerk