Oct
4
2018

10-04-2018 Planning Commission Meeting

Town of Fairlee Town Hall
Grange Room
75 Town Common Road
Fairlee, VT  05045

Thursday, October 4, 2018

PRESENT
  • Commission Members: Miranda Clemson, Chair; Smith Reed, Vice Chair; Denis Lambert; Susanne Pacilio; Sarah Berger; Mark Bishop
  • Zoning Administrator: Chris Brimmer
  • Ex Officio Member: Cathy McGrath
  • Minutes Clerk: Joanna Bligh
  • Visitor: Kevin Geiger

 

CALL TO ORDER: 6:05 PM

Miranda Clemson, Chair, called the meeting to order.

A quorum was met.

REVIEW OF MINUTES

MOTION: Denis Lambert moved and Susanne Pacilio seconded the motion to accept the Minutes from August 2, 2018, as amended. The vote passed unanimously.

AGENDA MODIFICATIONS

None

UPDATE ON THE MPG CAPITAL BUDGET PROGRAM

Kevin Geiger from Two Rivers−Ottaquechee Regional Commission (TRORC) addressed the topic of the Town adopting a Capital Budget Program. Geiger stated that the Town can create a capital reserve fund that can only be spent on specific items, and the money can be added to and carried year over year. Geiger further noted that once created, the capital budget money set aside for specific uses can only be changed by a Town Meeting vote.

Discussion continued, and Geiger noted that the Town Plan, a community vision document, needs to be concise and easy to read with three to four goals, several policies, and a few recommendations. Cathy McGrath suggested that TRORC facilitate a community meeting for residents to offer ideas for capital budget items.

[Smith Reed entered the meeting at 6:36 PM]

Discussion ensued on topics, including transportation, housing, traffic-calming measures for Main St., sidewalks created by painting pedestrian areas on the side of the road, and economic development in the Town.

[Lisa Hinsley entered the meeting at 7:06 PM]

McGrath suggested a public session be scheduled inviting residents to brainstorm ideas and, additionally, a survey could be sent out before a public meeting is held.

[Kevin Geiger left the meeting at 7:35 PM]

Further discussion centered around the specifics of adding to Town resources, including a bike/pedestrian lane on Main St., a trolley around Lake Morey, a riverside recreation area, and an active recreation center. McGrath suggested a public meeting focused on the Town Plan be held Thursday, October 18, at 6:00 PM.

Brimmer noted that the Selectboard approved the enhanced energy planning process, which will include partnering with TRORC.

NEXT MEETING

Miranda Clemson stated that the next Planning Commission meeting will focus on Brimmer’s economic development and Clemson’s natural resources sections of the Town Plan.   

MOTION: Sarah Berger moved and Mark Bishop seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

ADJOURN: 8:11 PM

Attest: Joanna Bligh, Minutes Clerk