Introductions:

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

The audience members present were Peter Korbet and Dan Potter.

Chairman Bruce Cox opened the meeting at 7:00.

II. Special Visitor: Thomas Kennedy, Executive Director, Southern Windsor County Regional Planning Commission to discuss pre-disaster mitigation plans
Dan Potter handed to the Commission a pre-disaster mitigation plan for discussion and review. John Broker Campbell explained who began the process and that SWCRP will distribute it to the Town officials. There was a discussion about many possible additions identified as concerns by the Commission. This would be a long process about 18 months. There will still be meetings and hearings following approval by FEMA. John Broker Campbell will take the Commission recommendations and add appropriate corrections for the Commission to review. The Commission members should send any further comments to John Broker Campbell within 30 days.
The Commission discussed different ways to notify the Town of a disaster. There are no civil defense sirens in Weathersfield. It was mentioned that the fire departments have sirens. The Commission is not sure how far the noise from the sirens would go. Julia Lloyd Wright mentioned how Chief Brown had to go door to door when there was a spill on I-91 a few years ago.
Peter Korbet wanted to know if there are alternate routes in Town. He mentioned how in Amsden there is a small bridge that is susceptive to flooding. Gil Whittemore stated that funding would be needed to fix an alternate bridge. John Broker Campbell said that Vermonters do not leave their residences. They tend to stay put. The Commission thanked Dan Potter for coming to the meeting.

III. Approval of Minutes: Meetings of November 15, 2010

Ed Williams made a motion to approve the minutes of November 15, 2010 with corrections. Michael Todd seconded it. All were unanimous to approve the minutes as corrected.

IV. Review Meeting Agenda - additions, corrections
deForest Bearse mentioned to the Commission a concern about the agricultural bylaw from a Select Board member. The Select Board member mentioned at the Select Board's last meeting that the Commission tested some lands that were already protected by land trust. The Select Board member used the following as an example; if a farmer has 20 acres with 5 acres protected and wants to develop on those 5, if the score is over 160, he can do nothing with his land. deForest Bearse stated that if the score is over 160, the farmer could appeal it. Development is limited to 10% on agricultural soil. She stated how there were some inaccuracies at that meeting. When the Commission did the rating, they take into account the entire parcel.
Gil Whittemore said that the Commission should clarify what is in it since it is based on the USDA. It could say "the site of development" versus "the site". Michael Todd said it could be "project site". Ed Williams said that the Commission has thought this document over and everyone uses the maps. A person with a project can challenge the decision. It is not just based on the maps.

V. Public Hearings: None

VI. Requests/Reviews: None

VII. Discussions:
A. Bylaw/Regulation Revisions
(1) Historic Preservation zoning bylaw (section 6.11)-draft report for recommendation to repeal
The Commission discussed the report and made corrections. Peter Korbet mentioned that the Stover subdivision was evoked based on this bylaw. During the last revision to the Town Plan, he brought his objection to the Planning Commission and gave the current Commission a copy of this at their last meeting. This has caused Perkinsville to develop as a residential community, not commercial. He wanted to know why other sites have not be mentioned in the report, why just the Perkinsville Store. deForest Bearse said that it calls for just current plans and there is nothing in Ascutney right now. She stated that the village is a mixture. Commercial is allowed and permitted.
Michael Todd stated that this is just a report. Peter Korbet said it should say what exists and what has happened in the past. deForest Bearse said that this report is a brief explanation of the repeal and notice. The report includes findings and effects. Peter Korbet wanted to know how does this proposal address the Center. deForest Bearse said it does not. The site plan review will cover it. Michael Todd stated that the Commission is discussing the report.
Peter Korbet said that the report does not address covered bridges or Cascade Falls Road. Michael Todd said it does not. deForest Bearse said that Cascade Falls Road is not on the State or National Historic Sites and therefore does not qualify under 6.11. Peter Korbet said that shouldn't it be incorporated.
John Broker Campbell made a motion to approve the report as amended. Ed Williams seconded it. All were unanimous.
Ed Williams made a motion to hold a public hearing on the proposed repeal on December 27, 2010 at 7:00 PM. Michael Todd seconded it. All were unanimous.

B. Town Plan Revisions
(a) Transportation chapter recommendations
The Commission discussed the chapter and made corrections. Peter Korbet mentioned that there needs to be 300 feet for home industry. The Commission discussed economic development. Peter Korbet said under "G", recommendation #16, it says increased development. There are many lots in Perkinsville that are small and existing. There is no actual designated parking. There is off site on street parking. The Town is acquiring the park in Perkinsville which should have gone through zoning. Under zoning that would require a site review that would have looked at parking. If it says increase density, accommodations need to be made. Ed Williams said that it is addressed in recommendations. Peter Korbet said that the Commission wants to increase development but there are not just that many lots that could share that. There is parking around commons in other towns, such as Woodstock.

VIII. Public Comment:

Peter Korbet stated that if the Commission is going to have Historic Districts, the Commission should comply with the State Statutes. deForest Bearse read the State Statute.

IX. Set or reinforce the agenda, date, time, and place for the next meeting

X. Adjournment:
Ed Williams made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 PM. John Campbell Broker seconded it. All were unanimous to adjourn.

Respectfully submitted,

Diana Day