February 19, 2003
Town Hall 7:00 PM
Dana Farley (Village Resident), Chair
Charles Russell (Selectboard)
John Owen (Affordable Housing Committee)
Jesse
Bradley (Recreation Committee)
Jim Donovan (Planning Commission)
Members absent:
Dee Pierce (Conservation Commission)
Moe Harvey (Citizen at large)
Al Moraska (Planning Commission)
Bill Lockwood (Economic Development Committee)
Others
present:
Dean
Bloch, Town Planner
Nancy
Sabin
Curt Alpeter
The meeting convened at 7:05 PM.
The minutes of the 1/7/03 meeting were approved.
Discussion
of adding a member of the Charlotte Land Trust to the West Charlotte Village
Planning Committee
This issue was raised by Dana, and indicated that the Charlotte Land Trust (CLT) is involved in a range of activities that would fit well with the activities of the committee. It was clarified that this was not a requirement of the Vermont Land Trust (VLT) or the Preservation Trust of Vermont (PTV).
Charles indicated that when the committee was formed by the Selectboard, there was discussion about a broader committee, and then it was narrowed to its current make-up.
Curt Alpeter, who was in attendance at Dana’s request, explained the perspective of the CLT.
The question was raised whether Moe’s past affiliation with the CLT allows for de facto representation from the CLT. It was also asked whether those who have missed several meetings are still interested in being on the committee.
This issue was tabled to the next meeting.
John raised the question of whether the apparent pre-selection of a facilitator by VLT and PTV will undercut the integrity and openness of the process.
Jim briefly described the meeting that he and Dana had with Gil Livingston of VLT and Paul Bruhn of PTV. He raised the issue that the proposed planning process had been predicated on the “approval” of the West Charlotte Village Master Plan, and since the public comments at the public forum for the Village Master Plan on 2/6/03 were mostly negative, this may need to be rethought. He also said that at the meeting with Gil and Paul, they expressed interest in focusing on the portion of the village where the town’s newly acquired property (former Burns property) is located. This refocus may also include Dick LeBoeuf’s property (if he is willing), ie: the “southeast quadrant” of the village. The committee felt that this may require amending the Memorandum of Understanding (“the Burns Property Agreement”) between the Town and VLT and PTV.
Jesse emphasized that she doesn’t want to work behind Dick LeBoeuf’s back, and that he should be included early-on in the process.
Jim passed out a “revised process,” and committee members made comments.
Action items:
C Dana will discuss a) revised planning process, b) revised MOU, c) the question of process for selecting a facilitator, and d) involving Dick LeBoeuf in the process, with VLT and PTV.
C Charles will talk with Frances Foster and Moe regarding issues related to adding a CLT member to the committee.
C Jim will revise planning process, and will send out draft via e-mail.
C Other committee members should make comments on planning process to Dana via e-mail.
Meeting adjourned at 9:10 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Dean Bloch
Next meetings:
No meeting on March 12th.
Other meetings most likely 2nd Wednesday
of every month at 7:00 PM at the Town Hall