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.

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