TOWN OF WEATHERSFIELD, VERMONT
PLANNING COMMISSION
Monday, October 4, 2010

Meeting  Minutes - APPROVED

Introductions:

Commission members present were Bruce Cox, Michael Todd, Ed Williams, Alan Hudson, Gil Whittemore, Julia Lloyd Wright (ex-officio), and deForest Bearse (Land Use Administrator).

The audience member present was Peter Korbet.

Chairman Bruce Cox opened the hearing at 7:05.

I. Approval of Minutes: Meetings of September 27, 2010

Ed Williams made a motion to approve the minutes of September 27, 2010 with corrections. Michael Todd seconded it. All were unanimous to approve the minutes as corrected.

II. Review Meeting Agenda - additions, corrections

There was none.

III. Public Hearings:
A. Final Plat Reviews

IV. Requests/Reviews: None

V. Discussions:
A. Bylaw/Regulation Revisions-Agricultural zoning (sec. 6.10.7)-Rating system and written report-finalize changes & prepare for public hearing
Julia Lloyd Wright recused herself. The Commission discussed the Impact Rating. The more points someone receives, the better chance of keeping its agricultural value. Michael Todd said that comments from the public would be received under public comment. Chairman Bruce Cox agreed. The Commission discussed #2 on the Weathersfield, VT, Farmland Conversion Impact Rating. It is hard to figure out the percentage. This rating is to be only used to challenge the agricultural zoning Bylaw. Pages 6 and 7 on the impact rating will become pages 1 & 2. The cut off score will be 160. Ed Williams made a motion to accept the version as discussed tonight to include the rating worksheet, setting the points cut off at 160, to provide a report to accompany the Bylaw, and the Public Hearing will be November 8, 2010. Alan Hudson seconded it. All were unanimous.

B. Town Plan Revisions
deForest Bearse will send to the Commission members the latest version of the transportation chapter. Ed Williams made a motion to discuss this chapter at the next meeting and have that meeting be held on October 18th. Michael Todd seconded it. All were unanimous. Julia Lloyd Wright stated that she is presenting to the Select Board information on energy.

VI. Public Comment:
Chairman Bruce Cox stated that this not a hearing. It is only a public meeting for the public to observe what is getting done. The Commission is under no obligations to take public comments. This is not to be a debate. Peter Korbet questioned the equability to all the zoning districts. He wants to know why agricultural soil Bylaw is so inclusive to villages. The report says that less than 3 acres is exempt. He has looked at the lot sizes in the villages. He gave the Commission a copy of the survey of the Perkinsville village in regards to lot sizes. Peter Korbet stated that when you start looking at what is in a village, it does not warrant regulations. Michael Todd stated that the 3 acres have to be contiguous soils.
Ed Williams said that the Commission has discussed this at a previous meeting in regards to why and what was approached. Most likely the parcels that are bigger in villages could be subdivided. Peter Korbet said that he was looking at a way to simplify our zoning. The Town Plan wants to increase density. He said that the village boundaries are not very well laid out. Gil Whittemore wondered if the zoning district should follow the boundaries of the incorporated village. Peter Korbet stated that the Select Board incorporated the village. It is in Volume 5, page 629 (petition on page 665). He also said that the Hoisington Field is deeded to the Town. He felt it was good that the Commission considered the Dan Foster House since it could be subdivided at some time.
Ed Williams said that if there was a separate set of zoning for each district that would be hard. Gil Whittemore said that the closer you are to the village, you get certain points. Once you know how the system works, it would take about a half hour to fill out the Impact Rating. The soil mapping was fairly easy. deForest Bearse said that the burden of proof is on the property owner. Gil Whittemore said it would depend on who is filling it out.

VII. Wrap-up: debrief issues addressed and input given

VIII. Set or reinforce the agenda, date, time, and place for the next meeting
The Commission will discuss the transportation chapter and the grant for the maps.

IX. Adjournment:
Michael Todd made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:33 PM. Ed Williams seconded it. All were unanimous to adjourn.

Respectfully submitted,

Diana Day