PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES of November 11, 2021

COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Ken Estey, Lynn Forrest, Jane Douglas, Kate Gehring
OTHERS PRESENT: Walt Dadik (Newfane Development Review Board), Jeanette Perry

CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:11 pm by Ken Estey.

ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA:
Suggestion to not meet on Veterans Day in the future.

ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
Will review minutes once Nolan arrives.

MINUTES
No minutes to review.

UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
None.

OLD BUSINESS

1. Newfane ARPA Funding Survey, Next Steps
a. Ken to consult with Lynn and Kate to coordinate paper surveys with Survey Monkey input. Ken will follow up to find first 50 for the purpose of the incentive coupon.
b. Respond to Ann Golob to study the survey further to formulate recommendation for projects to implement based on survey.
c. Jane posed question on communicating comments and letters on the surveys, mostly on infrastructure.
d. Planning Commission wishes to meet with Ann Golob to review what can be recommended to the Town for ARPA funding. Next meeting: December 2.
e. Ken will thank Bahman through FPF for assistance with posting ARPA survey on Town website.

2. Zoning Bylaw Priorities – changed agenda to consider 2nd.
Lynn reported that the tiny house question is before the Development Review Board and therefore we need to update the Zoning Bylaw to include tiny houses and short term rentals immediately. As this is urgent, Lynn suggested we do research to prepare updates for the December 2nd meeting on what is being done in other jurisdictions. Walt Dadik echoed the urgency of this action as the Development Review Board needs guidance from the Planning Commission. Lynn askedthe Planning Commission to look at definitions for tiny houses, how they impact communities and what they bring to communities. Lynn noted that the Town Plan specifies alternate housing and tiny houses in particular.

3. Planning Commission Budget request.
Ken presented Planning Commission budget request for 2022-2023. Lynn proposed motion that the 2022-2023 budget request be the same as the 2021-2022 budget request. Jane seconded. Unanimously passed. Ken will convey 2022-2023 budget request to Wannetta before November 24.

4. Leland & Gray Student Engagement, Local Government
Kate, Ken, Lynn met with students at Leland & Gray as planned. Students were engaged and the main takeaway is that students need places to go and things to do. We discussed how the next Planning Commission meetings will be on December 2, 9, 23 and how Ann Golob remains interested in further participation.

5. Broadband update, Deerfield Valley Communications Union District
A special meeting for DVFiber will occur on November 15. Governing board met November 10th. Full agenda given that funding is available. Statewide CUD is being organized. Jane will report to Selectboard on December 6 to ensure Newfane Selectboard has viewed DVFiber annual report.

6. Development Review Board (DRB) update
DRB has three active inquiries. Erica Walch has joined as an alternate member of the DRB.

7. After ARPA Survey, What’s Next?: Fall 2021, Winter, Spring 2022
Already addressed above.

NEW BUSINESS
No new business.

CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence.

ADJOURNMENT
Jane motioned to adjourn. Kate seconded. Meeting adjourned at 7:21.