PLANNING COMMISSION
Town of Halifax, Vermont
MINUTES
February 14, 2012
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:03 PM. Members in attendance were Howard Alboum, Sirean LaFlamme, Cara Cheyette, Norman Fajans, Bradley Rafus, and William Pusey (who arrived after the minutes were approved). Brian McNeice was absent. Others in attendance were Margo Avakian, Aimee Goddard, and Secretary Phyllis Evanuk.
Approval of Minutes
Mrs. LaFlamme moved to approve the minutes of the November 8, 2011 meeting as written.
Ms. Cheyette seconded the motion which carried 5-0.
Ms. Cheyette moved to approve the minutes of the November 29, 2011 public hearing as written.
Mrs. LaFlamme seconded the motion which carried 5-0.
Subdivision preliminary review
Aimee Goddard was in attendance to informally present a proposal to subdivide property belonging to her and Amanda Hiouas at 1437 Hatch School Road. The Commissioners reviewed the sketch plan and application and found no problems with the proposal.
Activity update
Mr. Alboum advised that there is activity on Collins Road at a property on the town line. Ms. Evanuk advised that proposed construction is in Whitingham but because of the property location Halifax was notified as an abutter. (This is standard procedure for any development within 500 feet of a town line.)
Schedule a Public Hearing
Halifax Falls LLC has received a Potable Water/Wastewater Permit from the state and is ready to proceed with the proposed subdivision. The public hearing will be scheduled for March 13, 2012 at 7:00.
Review of Flood Hazard information
The Board reviewed the summary of the reasons for joining the NFIP that Cara Cheyette had composed. They discussed how they would like the information disseminated. It was decided to have it available at both the informational meeting and at Town Meeting as well as on the website. There will also be copies available at the Town Office. Ms. Cheyette will do up the final copy for photocopying and distribution.
Update schedule of planning projects
- Develop a summary sheet for subdivisions by pulling together the pertinent regulations from the existing zoning regulations and also list the state requirements.
- Get back to the Town Plan and set a “pre-meeting” schedule so that the sections to be reviewed will have already been read before the meeting. In this way less time will be taken up during the meeting with reading and more productive discussion can happen.
Other Business
The terms of Cara Cheyette and Norman Fajans are both up this March. They both advised that they will not be available for reappointment. Mr. Alboum advised that they should all actively “talk up” the planning commission and encourage people to volunteer. It would be nice to have interested people come to a meeting to see what goes on and to speak with the members.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Phyllis H. Evanuk
Secretary