TOWN OF NEWFANE
PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES of May 11, 2023

COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Kate Gehring, Nolan Edgar, Jane Douglas

OTHERS PRESENT:
Matthew Turek, Rhonda Calhoun, Jeanette Perry, Mary Topitzer

CALL TO ORDER
Kate called the meeting to order at 6:17 pm.

ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
None.

MINUTES
A motion was made by Nolan and seconded by Jane to approve the regular meeting minutes of April 13 and April 27 as presented. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
None.

OLD BUSINESS

Floodplain & River Corridor Zoning bylaw revision proposal:
Kate opened discussion on Jane’s tabled motion that the Commission approve the Zoning Bylaw amendment and pass it along to the Selectboard. Rhonda Calhoun inquired about the process of the amendment to the Zoning Bylaw. Rhonda, Matthew Turek, and Mary Topitzer reported that they felt the April 27, 2023 Planning Commission public hearing on the Zoning Bylaw amendment did not answer their questions about the changes to the Zoning Bylaw. Kate called for a vote on the motion. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote.

Bylaw Modernization Grant update:
Kate gave update on the Bylaw Modernization Grant. The Town has signed the contract for the grant. There will be a kickoff introduction meeting at the next Planning Commission meeting on May 25, 2023. Jane agrees to post on Front Porch Forum asking for citizen participation on the Bylaw Modernization Grant committee.

Report back from Town Meetings and/or Selectboard meetings:
None.

Short-term Rentals:
None.

Development Review Board (DRB) update:
None.

Broadband update, Deerfield Valley Communications District:
Jane gave update on recent work with the Deerfield Valley Communications Union District. Jane was elected to the executive board committee.

Planning Commission Emails:
Commissioners discussed options for creating Planning Commission email addresses. Jane will consult with The Selectboard about sharing a Google suite.

NEW BUSINESS

Agenda setting for May 25 meeting:
Commissioners discussed items to be put on the May 25, 2023, Planning Commission meeting agenda.

CORRESPONDENCE
None.

ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Nolan and seconded by Jane to adjourn the meeting at 7:06 pm.
The motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

Respectfully Submitted,
Nolan Edgar