PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING JANURY 10, 2012

Present: Regular members Pat Hare, Chairman; James LaPorta, Vice Chairman; Heidi Kearns; Jill Cutler; John Miller; Dave Colbert (arrived at 7:10); alternate Josh Tyson (arrived at 7:20) and Commission planning consultant Tom McGowan

Chairman Hare called the special meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. with a quorum established.

1. APPLICATIONS FOR ZONING PERMITS. None listed.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. December 2011.
Moved by H. Kearns, seconded by J. Cutler to approve the minutes of the December 13, 2011 regular meeting as presented. Passed unanimously.

3. NEW APPLICATIONS: None.

4. PENDING APPLICATIONS. None.

5. OTHER BUSINESS PROPER TO COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION.

A. Election of officers.
Tabled to later in the meeting.
B. Budget – Land use budget and capital (Plan of C&D) budget 2012
Tabled until February meeting.

6. CORRESPONDENCE AND COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVED. None.

7. WORKSHOP MEETING with Planning Consultant Tom McGowan with discussion to include but not be limited to residential housing options and accessory apartments.

Revisions to Accessory apartment regulations: Tom McGowan reviewed a letter received from town counsel, Perley Grimes (see attached). The Commission agreed with Atty. Grimes to strike the wording regarding notification to neighbors. The letter caused further discussion among Commission members regarding the number of allowable units which prompted P. Hare to recuse himself from the discussion as he owns a home with accessory apartments.

It was decided to delete proposed section 8.10.2.c and 8.10.5(after renumbering).e and 8.11.1.e

Tom McGowan will write up a final version for the February meeting for Commission review.

P. Hare returned to the meeting.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS:

Moved by D. Colbert to nominate Pat Hare for another term as Chairman.
Moved by D. Colbert to nominate James LaPorta for another term as Vice Chairman.
Moved by J. Cutler to nominate Dave Colbert as Vice Chairman.
Moved by P. Hare to nominate Heidi Kearns as Secretary.

Moved by J. Cutler to withdraw her nomination of Dave Colbert as Vice Chairman.

Moved by H. Kearns, seconded by J. LaPorta that nominations be closed. Passed unanimously.

Regarding the motion for Pat Hare as Chairman, James LaPorta as Vice Chairman and Heidi Kearns as Secretary …. Motion passed unanimously.

WORKSHOP (cont):

Residential Housing Options: There was a lengthy discussion regarding whether or not a map showing larger sized parcels would be helpful in the discussion of this regulation change. It was decided that P. Hare and T. McGowan would determine what parcel size(s) would most likely support a FReD-type subdivision and have NW Conservation District provide that map if our current maps are not informative enough.

T. McGowan then distributed some regulation changes that would bring our regulations into conformance with current State statutes.

D. Colbert stated that when we have the public hearing for these reg. changes, we should also incorporate changes as required by the ADA. He referenced info dated 11-17-11 from T. McGowan. The Commission agreed.

Commission members were then charged with reviewing the regulations for any other changes/updates that have been mentioned as being needed over the years (ie: J. LaPorta noted elimination of minimum house size).

8. ADJOURN

Moved by J. Cutler, seconded by J. LaPorta to adjourn at 9:35 p.m. Passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Heidi Kearns
Secretary