01-18-2018 Planning Commission Meeting
Town of Fairlee Library
221 US Rte 5 N
Fairlee, Vermont 05045
Thursday, January 18, 2018
PRESENT
- Commission Members: Smith Reed, Miranda Clemson, Denis Lambert, Susanne Pacilio
- Zoning Administrator: Chris Brimmer
- Minutes Clerk: Joanna Bligh
CALL TO ORDER: 6:10 PM
Smith Reed called the meeting to order.
Smith Reed stated that a quorum is met and requested agenda modifications from the members.
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS
Denis Lambert stated that the Town Meeting Report should be added to the agenda. Chris Brimmer stated that the 2017 Annual Report was sent to Mark Bishop, Chair. Susanne Pacilio stated that she and Denis Lambert will edit and rewrite the report.
MOTION: Denis Lambert moved and Susanne Pacilio seconded the motion to add the Town Meeting Report discussion to the agenda. The vote passed unanimously.
REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: Miranda Clemson moved and Denis Lambert seconded the motion to accept the Minutes from December 7, 2017, with modifications. The vote passed unanimously.
PUBLIC CONCERNS AND INPUT
TRORC Meeting
Chris Brimmer announced that he will attend the Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission (TRORC) municipal policy update meeting on Tuesday, January 23, at 6:30 at the Upper Valley Haven, Wilder, VT. The program “Homes for All: Updating Municipal Policies to Improve Housing Opportunities” will show what the state is offering for approvable housing. Miranda Clemson stated that she could possibly attend.
Opening on the Planning Commission
Susanne Pacilio noted that Mark Bishop nominates members from the floor at the Town Meeting. Chris Brimmer stated that there is still one opening on the Commission. Denis Lambert noted that what is missing on the Commission is someone who runs a business in Town. Smith Reed suggested that members table this discussion and carry it forward to the next meeting.
TOWN PLAN DISCUSSION
Smith Reed introduced the Town Plan discussion. Susanne Pacilio stated that the energy segment is on hold. Chris Brimmer stated that added to the energy section on the Town Plan is the 3-phase power project to the Transfer Station. Chris Brimmer also noted that the Town Plan needs to be expanded to list the real housing unit needs for the next 8 years. Smith Reed suggested that the members read and edit the Energy section of the Town Plan as prepared by Chris Brimmer. Detailed discussion followed as the members made changes to the document.
EC Fiber Network
Smith Reed asked for follow-up on the EC Fiber Network. Denis Lambert noted that Mark Bishop was to contact the company for discussion of the costs of setting up the network for Fairlee.
Discovery Maps Advertising
Chris Brimmer suggested that a local guide be connected to the Discover Map. Smith Reed noted that the blue Lake Map showing residences around Lake Morey is in the process of being updated. Denis Lambert queried if the map shows businesses. Chris Brimmer noted that a commercially oriented visitor map, rather than a resident directory, is needed.
Housing Goals
Chris Brimmer began the discussion by asking what is achievable as an 8-year goal for housing units in Fairlee. Smith Reed noted that there is a build-out map in Town. Miranda Clemson asked how many housing units are possible. Chris Brimmer stated that 3 four-unit houses are possible with open-space requirements. Susanne Pacilio noted that VerMod (http://vermodhomes.com) is an energy-efficient building company; however, there is no form-based zoning in Town. Chris Brimmer stated that the State of Vermont and the Agency for Aging in Orange County has plans for 8 to 10 units.
Social Infrastructure
Chris Brimmer stated that Fairlee Community Arts (FCA) and the Friends of Fairlee Forest could seek grants as commissions, but not through municipalities. Citizen-council groups (501C3 granting organizations) could advocate for senior housing. Denis Lambert announced that the FCA is continuing to meet, and will soon be meeting with the Town Administrator and Town Treasurer. Miranda Clemson noted that FCA discussion at the Selectboard meeting centered on areas of responsibility.
Next Meeting
Smith Reed stated that the next meeting of the Planning Commission is scheduled for Thursday, February 1, 2018, at the Fairlee Library at 6:00 PM.
ADJOURN: 8:12 PM
MOTION: Denis Lambert moved and Miranda Clemson seconded the motion to close the meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
Attest: Joanna Bligh, Minutes Clerk