Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes of May 27, 2021

COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Ken Estey, Lynn Forrest, Nolan Edgar, Jane Douglas, Kate Gehring

OTHERS PRESENT: Penny Tuerk, Dale Stevens, Veronica Stevens

CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:01pm by Ken Estey.

ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
Ken plans to add discussion of Vermont Farm to Plate 2021 to 2030 Plan to a future meeting agenda under New Business.

MINUTES
Commission reviewed minutes of 5/13/2021 regular meeting. A motion was made by Jane and seconded by Kate to approve the meeting minutes of 5/13/2021, as submitted. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
None.

OLD BUSINESS

Town Plan & Funding Discussion:
Commission discussed attendance at the June 7th Newfane Selectboard meeting. Ken, Kate and Nolan plan to attend. Commission discussed holding a special meeting before the next Selectboard meeting with Ann Galob (Newfane Selectboard Vice Chair) to review the Town Plan priorities document. The Commission agreed to meet on 6/3/21, and Ken agrees to contact Ann and to plan a time for the meeting.

Broadband Update, Deerfield Valley Communications Union District:
Jane gave report on recent work with the Deerfield Valley Communications Union District board.

Zoning Bylaw for Short Term Rentals – Any legislative update?:
Lynn gave update on recent Short-term rental related legislative work. Commission discussed possible future Short Term Rental work. Commission agrees that Ken will research the status of S.79 and contact Senator Becca Ballant about speaking to the Commission,

Development Review Board (DRB) Report:
Lynn gave report on recent/upcoming Newfane Development Review Board work.

Anti-Bias and Diversity Training:
Ken announced that the Commission’s motion in support of Anti-Bias and Diversity training was presented to the Newfane Selectboard at their May 17 meeting.

Regional and state-wide meetings, reports, reflections:
Commissioners reported on and discussed attendance at the Southern Vermont Economy Summit and the Vermont Council on Rural Development Summit on the Future of Vermont.

NEW BUSINESS

Leland & Gray Union Middle & High School Participation/Engagement:
Kate reported on her work to engage with Leland & Gray students and get them involved with local government.

Upcoming State-wide & Regional Trainings, Conferences, Events:
Commission discussed upcoming State-wide and regional trainings, conferences and events available to Commissioners. Ken agreed to compile and distribute the list of trainings with help from Lynn.

Resumption of in-person meetings – discussion:
Commission discussed the prospect of resuming in-person meetings.

CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence noted.

ADJOURN
A motion was made by Lynn and seconded by Jane to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote and the meeting adjourned at 7:37pm.

Respectfully Submitted,
Nolan Edgar