COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Ken Estey, Lynn Forrest, Nolan Edgar, Jane Douglas, Kate Gehring
OTHERS PRESENT: Walt Dadik (Development Review Board), Jeanette Perry
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:01pm by Ken Estey.
ADDITIONS/AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
Ken made a point to bring notice to his recent personal posting on Front Porch Forum. Ken reminded Commissioners to be mindful of their position as a Newfane Planning Commissioner and how others might perceive personal conversations or postings. Lynn brought attention to the Vermont Farm to Plate 2021 to 2030 Plan. Commission agrees to look over the plan and add discussion to a future meeting agenda under New Business.
MINUTES
Commission reviewed minutes of 4/22/21 regular meeting. A motion was made by Lynn and seconded by Jane to approve the meeting minutes of 4/22/21, as amended. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote. Commission reviewed minutes of 4/27/21 special meeting. A motion was made by Lynn and seconded by Kate to approve the meeting minutes of 4/27/21, as amended. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
Jeanette Perry commented on the local need for reliable broadband.
OLD BUSINESS
Town Plan & Funding Discussion:
Jane gave report on her attendance at the May 3rd Newfane Selectboard meeting. Commission discussed who will attend the May 17 Newfane Selectboard meeting, Kate and Jane plan to attend.
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.
Development Review Board (DRB) Report:
Walt Dadik gave report on recent/upcoming Newfane Development Review Board work.
Anti-Bias and Diversity Training discussion:
Commission discussed West River Valley Mutual Aid letter to the Newfane Selectboard regarding Anti-Bias and Diversity training. A motion was made by Nolan and seconded by Jane that the Newfane Planning Commission supports Anti-Bias and Diversity training for its Commissioners. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
Regional and state-wide meetings, reports, reflections:
Commissioners reported on and discussed attendance at the ongoing Southern Vermont Economy Summit. Ken announced dates for the Vermont Council on Rural Development Summit on the Future of Vermont.
NEW BUSINESS
Planning Commission email accounts:
Ken announced new email accounts for all Commissioners. Ken agrees to distribute email login information to Commissioners. Lynn announced Vermont League of Cities and Towns local listening tour on May 25 from 4:30pm 5:30pm.
CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence received from Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation regarding the 4th Annual Southern Vermont Economy Summit. Correspondence received from Rikki Risatti regarding municipal currency.
ADJOURN
A motion was made by Nolan and seconded by Lynn to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote and the meeting adjourned at 7:48pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Nolan Edgar