TOWN OF WEATHERSFIELD, VERMONT

PLANNING COMMISSION

Monday, January 24, 2011

Introduction

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

Audience members present: There were none

Chairman Bruce Cox opened the meeting at 7:00

Approval of Minutes: Meeting of January 10, 2011 postponed until February 14, 2011.

Review Meeting Agenda- additions, corrections

There were none

Public Hearings:
There were none

Requests/reviews:

None

Discussions:

A. Town Plan Revisions:
1. Draft Transportation Chapter Review

Review recommendations of the transportation chapter and determine a grouping format to organize the recommendations. Develop heading names for groups and discuss formatting options for entry into the town plan. Remove numbers and just use bullets on recommendations. Use a trifold map 11 x 17 for the general Highway map to allow for larger print and clearer view and use 8x11 for insert maps.
A) most important (local imperatives)
B) Transportation system management
C) Public transportation
D) Info and data management
E) Long range planning

Town Plan Revisions cont.
deForest Bearse pointed out that there are errors on our current maps and lists of town highways and suggests we get these identified and corrected for the final version and adoption.
Mike Todd made a motion to set the public hearing date for the transportation chapter on February 28, 2011 at 7:00 PM.
Alan Hudson seconded the motion with the changes discussed IE use bullets instead of numbers.
All were unanimous to affirm the date.
2. Discussion of Economic Development Chapter
Ed Williams asked about the status of the Weathersfield side of Ascutney Mountain to understand what the limits of use would be and how we might encourage uses that are appropriate. deForest Bearse mentioned State of Vermont funds that are available for upgrading camp grounds in the Mt. Ascutney Park, possible changes in use to motorized campers vs. tents. The current situation is not doing well. There could also be remote camping on the mountain. The PC should review the minutes of the public input meetings concerning the people's desires for business in Weathersfield specifically home based business and hiking and biking populations in this area.
The board had discussions about economic development needs, questions, changes and challenges and decided to set a date to meet with business owners of Weathersfield. This meeting will be held on March 14, 2011. deForest will prepare a list of business owners to notify.
Adjournment:
Ed Williams made a motion to adjourn at 8:55
Alan Hudson 2nd the motion
All were unanimous

Respectfully submitted
Michael A Todd
Planning Commission Clerk