Williamstown Planning Commission Minutes

December 10, 2008

Town Hall

Present: Paige Emory, Al Day, John Taylor, Larry Hebert and (Art Kramer - left at 7:10)

Guest: Chris Walsh, Central VT Regional Planning Commission

Clerk: Deborah Palmer

Art called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

Art explained that he was sick and wouldn’t be staying. He welcomed Chris Walsh and gave him a list of questions he had written down.

Chris gave a copy of the Table of Contents, Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 11 and implementation priorities. He stated that he felt that it was more important to get it right than speed in getting it done. He felt that the Planning Commission needs to concentrate on factual and policy. Chris will come monthly and give the Planning Commission another section as he gets it completed and to get input from the Planning Commission on what he gave them the previous month. He reported that he deleted some policies that were redundant or needed more clarification and felt that some areas needed more policy. Next month he will work on Economic and Housing and get input on what he gave out tonight.

Chris reported on Ancient Roads. He stated that as of July 2010 all Class 4 roads must be identified on a map and by July 2015 any unidentified roads not on the map must be thrown up. Doing nothing is an unacceptable approach. He also had a hand out on how to do it.

Chris also spoke on identifying the Village area and its boundaries. He also spoke on the official Village Center designation process and he will bring information on the process to the next meeting.

Chris has addressed in the Plan, Green Spaces connected by sidewalks. He will see what grants are available and incorporate.

It was decided by consensus to have two meeting a month until Chris is done with the Town Plan. In January the Planning Commission will meet on the 14th to go over what was given tonight and then on the 21st Chris will come for input from the Commission and give the next batch he gets done. Chris will check and see if this is the same night that the Transportation Committee meets and will let Paige know.

The Agenda was approved by consensus.

The motion was made by John and seconded by Paige to approve the minutes for September 17 and November 12. The motion passed by voice vote.

There was no mail and there were no comments.

There was discussion on the need for an Energy Committee and energy efficiency in Williamstown.

There was also discussion on the need for new people to fill the empty slot on the Planning Commission.

There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 8:35 PM.