Category Archives: Planning Commission Meeting Minutes

Regular Planning Commission Meetings occur on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays at
6:00 PM via Zoom or phone. We welcome your attendance and participation!

NEWFANE PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES of October 26, 2023

COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Kate Gehring, Jane Douglas, James Bressor
OTHERS PRESENT: Dot Maggio

CALL TO ORDER
Kate called the meeting to order at 6:04 pm.

ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
Jane requested a brief executive session to discuss a personnel matter.

MINUTES
A motion was made by James and seconded by Jane to approve the 10/12/23 meeting minutes with one amended requested by Jane: to clarify that the Deerfield Valley Communications District is hoping to have Readsboro and Stamford completely wired by December, but completion is not certain. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
None.

OLD BUSINESS
Development Review Board (DRB) update:
None.

Broadband update, Deerfield Valley Communications District:
Jane noted that the DVCD is planning a November 9 noon event to celebrate the first Readsboro customers.

Report back from Town Meetings and/or Selectboard meetings:
Jane attended the most recent Selectboard meeting and reported there were no discussions relevant to the planning commission.

Bylaw Modernization Grant:
Commissioners discussed the December 2, 2023, Bylaw Modernization walking tour. Kate said she would develop a flyer to publicize the event, and the commission will warn the tour as a special planning commission meeting.

Short-term Rentals:
Jane circulated a revised draft short-term rental registration form and ordinance, which other commissioners will review prior to the next commission meeting. Commissioners discussed the possibility of including the authorizing statutes in the ordinance, as some towns have done. Jane said she would share more web links to other municipalities’ short-term rental ordinances. Jane said she would also share the latest version of the draft ordinance with Doris Mitchell.

NEW BUSINESS

Newfane/Townshend/Brookline Joint Planning Commission Brainstorm – update:
Kate said the Brookline Planning Commission had agreed to the November 9, 2023, multi-community meeting to discuss possible town collaboration.

Agenda setting for next meeting:
The next meeting is the tentative multi-town meeting.

Planning Commission vacancy:
No progress on filling the vacancy.

EXECUTIVE SESSION
The commission went into a brief executive session to discuss a personnel matter. There were no motions or actions taken.

CORRESPONDENCE
None.

ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Jane and seconded by James to adjourn the meeting at 7:00 p.m. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

Respectfully Submitted,
James Bressor

PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING

TOWN OF NEWFANE PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES of September 28, 2023

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

OTHERS PRESENT: Sue Westa (Windham Regional Commission), Mike McConnell (Windham Regional Commission), David Cotton (Newfane Development Review Board), Merle Tessier (Newfane Zoning Administrator), Ann Golob (Newfane Selectboard), Keith Nowak

CALL TO ORDER
Kate called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.

ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
A motion was made by James and seconded by Jane to move Old Business item D to the front of the agenda. The motion was carried unanimously by voice vote.

MINUTES
None.

UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
None.

OLD BUSINESS
Development Review Board (DRB) update:
None.

Broadband update, Deerfield Valley Communications District:
None.

Report back from Town Meetings and/or Selectboard meetings:
Kate and Jane reported on their attendance at the last Newfane Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard voted to adopt the Floodplain Bylaw revision.

Bylaw Modernization Grant:
Sue Westa gave a presentation about the Bylaw Modernization project. Commissioners discussed the presentation with Sue. David Cotton, Ann Golob, and Merle Tessier joined the discussion of the presentation. Commissioners agreed on December 2, 2023, and December 14, 2023, as possible next meeting dates, including a walking tour. Commissioners will finalize meeting dates at the next meeting.

Floodplain & River Corridor Zoning bylaw revision proposal:
As reported in item C, the Selectboard voted to pass the bylaw revision at their meeting on October 2, 2023.

Short-term Rentals:
Commissioners agreed to revisit the goal of defining short-term rentals in the zoning bylaw. Jane will look for the Commission’s previous work on this.

Agenda setting for next meeting:
Commissioners discussed items to be put on the October 12, 2023, Planning Commission meeting agenda.

Planning Commission vacancy:
Kate announced the Planning Commission seat vacancy. Commissioners will reach out to potentially interested individuals.

CORRESPONDENCE
Email received from the Vermont Council on Rural Development. Letter received from Marlboro Planning Commission regarding a bylaw change in their town.

ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Jane and seconded by James to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m. The motion was carried unanimously by voice vote.

Respectfully Submitted,
Nolan Edgar

Planning Commission Regular Minutes

TOWN OF NEWFANE PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
of September 28, 2023

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

CALL TO ORDER
Kate called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.

ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
A motion was made by James and seconded by Jane to move Old Business item D to the front of the agenda. The motion was carried unanimously by voice vote.

MINUTES
None.

UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
None.

OLD BUSINESS
Development Review Board (DRB) update:
None.

Broadband update, Deerfield Valley Communications District:
None.

Floodplain & River Corridor Zoning bylaw revision proposal:
As reported in item C, the Selectboard voted to pass the bylaw revision at their meeting on October 2, 2023.

Short-term Rentals:
Commissioners agreed to revisit the goal of defining short-term rentals in the zoning bylaw. Jane will look for the Commission’s previous work on this.

NEW BUSINESS
Newfane/Townshend/Brookline Joint Planning Commission Brainstorm – update:
Brookline is interested in participating. Kate agrees to reach out again to coordinate with the other town Commissions.
Agenda setting for next meeting:
Commissioners discussed items to be put on the October 12, 2023, Planning Commission meeting agenda.

Planning Commission vacancy:
Kate announced the Planning Commission seat vacancy. Commissioners will reach out to potentially interested individuals.

CORRESPONDENCE
Email received from the Vermont Council on Rural Development. Letter received from Marlboro Planning Commission regarding a bylaw change in their town.

ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Jane and seconded by James to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m. The motion was carried unanimously by voice vote.

Respectfully Submitted,
Nolan Edgar

Planning Commission Regular Minutes of August 10, 2023

COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Kate Gehring, Jane Douglas, James Bressor

OTHERS PRESENT:

CALL TO ORDER
Kate called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.

ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
None.

MINUTES
A motion was made by Jane and seconded by Kate to approve the July 13, 2023, Planning Commission regular meeting minutes as presented.
The motion passed by voice vote, with James abstaining.

A motion was made by James and seconded by Jane to approve the July 27, 2023, Planning Commission regular meeting minutes as presented.
The motion passed unanimously by voice vote.

UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
None.

OLD BUSINESS

Development Review Board (DRB) update:
None.

Broadband update, Deerfield Valley Communications District:
Jane gave an update on recent work with the Deerfield Valley Communications Union District. Progress is continuing in Readsboro.

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

Bylaw Modernization Grant:
No update.

Floodplain & River Corridor Zoning bylaw revision proposal:
The Selectboard will be holding a public hearing for the Floodplain and River Corridor Zoning Bylaw proposed changes on Monday, August 21, 2023, at 6:00 PM.

Short-term Rentals:
Jane reported on the short-term rental meeting in Wilmington. It was a presentation by the Bi-town Housing Rental Sub-committee to the Selectboards of Wilmington and Dover. They pointed out that both towns already have the 1% local sales tax option, which means they get money for every STR in their towns through AirBnB and VBRO, and have AirDNA to tell them how many STR there are in town. Now, they are looking at what kind of regulations they need to handle problems with STR. Commissioners will discuss more at their next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Newfane/Townshend/Brookline Joint Planning Commission Brainstorm – update:
No update.

Agenda setting for next meeting:
Commissioners agreed not to hold a regular meeting on August 24, 2023. Jane will check with Wannetta Powling about using the Town’s Zoom account to host Planning Commission meetings.

Planning Commission vacancy:
Kate announced the Planning Commission seat vacancy.

CORRESPONDENCE
None.

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

Respectfully Submitted,
Nolan Edgar

Planning Commission Regular Minutes, October 12, 2023

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

ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
A motion was made by James and seconded by Jane to move Old Business item D to the front of the agenda. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

MINUTES
None.

UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
None.

OLD BUSINESS
Development Review Board (DRB) update:
None.

Broadband update, Deerfield Valley Communications District:
None.

Floodplain & River Corridor Zoning bylaw revision proposal:
As reported in item C, the Selectboard voted to pass the bylaw revision at their meeting on October 2, 2023.

Short-term Rentals:
Commissioners agreed to revisit the goal of defining short-term rentals in the zoning bylaw. Jane will look for the Commission’s previous work on this.

NEW BUSINESS

Newfane/Townshend/Brookline Joint Planning Commission Brainstorm – update:
Brookline is interested in participating. Kate agrees to reach out again to coordinate with the other town Commissions.

Agenda setting for next meeting:
Commissioners discussed items to be put on the October 12, 2023, Planning Commission meeting agenda.

Planning Commission vacancy:
Kate announced the Planning Commission seat vacancy. Commissioners will reach out to potentially interested individuals.

CORRESPONDENCE
Email received from the Vermont Council on Rural Development—letter received from Marlboro Planning Commission regarding a bylaw change in their town.

ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Jane and seconded by James to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

Respectfully Submitted,
Nolan Edgar

Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes September 14, 2023

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

OTHERS PRESENT:
None.

CALL TO ORDER
Kate called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.

ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
None.

MINUTES
None.

UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
None.

OLD BUSINESS
Development Review Board (DRB) update:
None.

Broadband update, Deerfield Valley Communications District:
Jane gave an update on recent work with the Deerfield Valley Communications Union District. The project is behind schedule but moving along.

Report back from Town Meetings and/or Selectboard meetings:
Jane reported on her attendance at the last Newfane Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard will vote on the Floodplain Bylaw revision at their next meeting. Planning Commission members will attend.

Bylaw Modernization Grant:
Sue Westa will give a presentation on behalf of the Windham Regional Commission at the September 28, 2023 Planning Commission meeting.

Floodplain & River Corridor Zoning bylaw revision proposal:
No update, besides the upcoming Selectboard vote on the Floodplain Bylaw revision at their next meeting.

Short-term Rentals:
Jane attended the short-term rental meeting in Wilmington on July 31, 2023. Jane learned about communities that add a 1% local options room tax. Newfane is currently restricted from adding a 1% local option because of State law. The commission will explore the idea more.

NEW BUSINESS
Newfane/Townshend/Brookline Joint Planning Commission Brainstorm – update:
The Commission will aim to meet with other Planning Commissions at the end of October 2023.

Agenda setting for next meeting:
Commissioners discussed items to be put on the September 28, 2023, Planning Commission meeting agenda.

Planning Commission vacancy:
Kate announced the Planning Commission seat vacancy. Commissioners will reach out to some people who have shown interest in joining the Commission.

CORRESPONDENCE
Email received regarding the SoVT Get on Board leadership program.

ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Nolan and seconded by Jane to adjourn the meeting at 6:59 p.m. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

Respectfully Submitted,
Nolan Edgar

PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES of July 27, 2023

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

OTHERS PRESENT:

CALL TO ORDER

Kate called the meeting to order at 6:25 pm. Commissioners welcomed James Bressor as new member.

ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA

None.

MINUTES

Approval of minutes tabled to next meeting.

UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC

None.

OLD BUSINESS

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. Progress is being made in Readsboro.

Report-back from Town Meetings and/or Selectboard meetings:

Jane reported on her attendance at the last Newfane Selectboard meeting.

Bylaw Modernization Grant:

Windham Regional Commission will give a presentation at the September 28, 2023 Planning Commission meeting.

Floodplain & River Corridor Zoning bylaw revision proposal:

The Selectboard will be doing a public review of the Floodplain and River Corridor Zoning Bylaw proposed changes on Monday August 21, 2023 at 6:00PM. Alyssa Sabetto will be present, along with the Planning Commission.

Short-term Rentals:

Jane will attend the short-term rental meeting in Wilmington on July 31, 2023 and report back.

NEW BUSINESS

Newfane/Townshend/Brookline Joint Planning Commission Brainstorm – update:

Jane will ask Andy Snelling about dates to meet in September. Commissioners considered the possibility of hosting a “meet and greet” type of event.

Agenda setting for next meeting:

Commissioners discussed items to be put on the August 10, 2023 Planning Commission meeting agenda.

Planning Commission vacancy:

Kate announced Planning Commission seat vacancy.

CORRESPONDENCE

Email received from Dot Maggio (Brookline Planning Commission).

ADJOURNMENT