Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. Planning Commission members Bill Pusey, Kaitlin Stone, Patricia Dow, and Alice Aldrich were present; Turner Lewis was traveling out-of-state. David Moore, Ruth Moore, and Robbin Gabriel were also in attendance.

Changes and Additions to Agenda

Patty Dow added minutes approval for the two August Planning Commission meetings.

Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes

Kaitlin Stone made a motion to approve the minutes of the 8/8/17 regular meeting as written. Dow seconded the motion, which passed, 4-0.

Stone made a motion to approve the minutes of the 8/22/17 special meeting as written. Alice Aldrich seconded the motion, which passed, 4-0.

New Business

DHCD Municipal Planning Grant Application
Alice Aldrich reported she had been working on a first draft of MPG application question responses; Board members have all received copies of same. She has also spoken with WRC’s John Bennett and with the DHCD grant specialist. Gabriel told Commissioners that the MPG resolution has been approved and signed by the Selectboard, submitted to DHCD, and Lewis Sumner is now registered as the municipal authorizing official. Prior to embarking upon a detailed review and discussion of the MPG application text, Bill Pusey advised they would hear Ruth and David Moore, who had questions for the Planning Commission.

Right-of-Way Query
David and Ruth Moore reside on Pike Road. Their property deed includes a twenty-foot right-of-way through an adjacent parcel, and they intend in the future to use that right-of-way for easier access to their residence. Neighboring property owners have begun construction on a building immediately abutting the right-of-way, and David Moore—who several times expressed his desire to maintain cordial relations with his neighbor—is concerned that if the ROW were used as a driveway, winter snowplowing might damage the new structure. Moore had several questions: Does a ROW ever expire? Are there regulations regarding setbacks from rights-of-way? Does the Town or the fire department have any ROW construction requirements for emergency vehicle access to dwellings?

In discussion, Commissioners said a deeded ROW would not expire. The setback question will be referred to the Zoning Administrator, who will also determine whether a building permit has been issued, and the Road Commissioner will be consulted regarding driveway specifications.

MPG Application (continued)
Commissioners returned to their consideration of the MPG application, and spent the remainder of the meeting studying the questions and fine-tuning responses. The results will be reviewed by WRC and submitted to the State online prior to the October 2^nd deadline.

Old Business

None.

Other Business

None.

Hearing of Visitors

None present.

Adjournment

Aldrich made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m. Dow seconded the motion, which passed, 4-0.

Respectfully submitted,
Robbin Gabriel
Interim Planning Commission Secretary