Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. Planning Commission members Sirean LaFlamme, Bill Pusey, Brian McNeice, Turner Lewis, and Kaitlin Stone were present, as were Peggy Rafus, Travis Stone, Cara Cheyette, and Robbin Gabriel.

Changes and Additions to Agenda

None.

Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes

Brian McNeice made a motion to approve the 3/8/16 regular meeting minutes as written. Bill Pusey seconded the motion, which passed, 3-0-2, with Turner Lewis and Kaitlin Stone abstaining.

Pusey made a motion to approve the 3/15/16 special meeting minutes as written. McNeice seconded the motion, which passed, 3-0-2, with Turner Lewis and Kaitlin Stone abstaining.

New Business

Sirean LaFlamme said the decision to allow more time for the new Zoning Administrator search was a good one; thus far three candidates have expressed interest. She also welcomed new Planning Commission members Turner Lewis and Kaitlin Stone and thanked them for being willing to serve on the Board.

Reorganize Board

McNeice nominated Sirean LaFlamme as Chair of the Planning Commission and ZBA. Stone seconded the nomination, which passed, 5-0.

LaFlamme nominated Bill Pusey as Vice Chair of the Planning Commission and ZBA. McNeice seconded the motion, which passed, 5-0.

Finalize Report and Set Public Hearing Date for Zoning Repeal Petition
LaFlamme explained the process necessary to move forward on a citizens’ petition to repeal zoning in Halifax. The Planning Commission must prepare a written report and hold a hearing to receive public comment on the petition. Thereafter, the petition will pass to the Selectboard, that Board will hold a second public hearing, and the question will go before town voters in August. Cara Cheyette asked whether the Planning Commission report states the Commission’s views on the subject. LaFlamme responded yes, and Gabriel added the report would be published in the newspaper, on the town website, and posted on town bulletin boards. The full text will also be available for review in the Town Clerk’s office. LaFlamme made a motion to hold a Planning Commission public hearing on the zoning repeal petition May 10^th 2016. Pusey seconded the motion, which passed, 5-0. LaFlamme made a motion to accept the report for publication as written. Pusey seconded the motion, which passed, 5-0.

Commissioners examined copies of the newly printed zoning regulations and said they were pleased with the finished booklets. There was further conversation regarding zoning administrator candidates; applicants will be invited to the May 10^th regular Planning Commission meeting and the Commission will consider a recommendation to the Selectboard.

Old Business

None.

Other Business

None.

Hearing of Visitors

None.

Adjournment

McNeice made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Pusey seconded the motion, which passed 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Robbin Gabriel
Interim Planning Commission Secretary