MINUTES OF THE SHAFTSBURY PLANNING COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 18, 2003, COLE HALL, SHAFTSBURY, VERMONT
Board Present:
Andrew Knafel, Chairman, Kevin Bubriski, Vice-Chairman, David Mance, Mark Young
and Jim Serrao.
Board Absent: William Jakubowski
Other’s Present: Bonnie Marsh, Mike Gardner, Curt Morin, Edie Devins,
Anthony Zazzaro and Cynthia Hamilton.
Call to Order: Mr. Knafel called the meeting to order at 7:30pm.
Mr. Mance recused himself from the Commission at this time.
Final Plat Review: Richmond and Mary Hall for a boundary line relocation:
Mr. Mance, representing Mr. & Mrs. Hall explained that the parcels under
consideration are located at the junction of East and Resevoir Road.
Specifically, Mr. Mance detailed that when this parcel was divided there was no
survey done, and consequently the boundary line, based on the deed, runs through
a silo, small shed and skirts very close to a barn. This proposal rectifies this
boundary line conflict, and although it does not meet current setback
requirements, it does improve on the setback areas available, with minor impact
on the lots. Mance further detailed that this proposal allows for the current
configuration of 2 acres for Hall and one acre for the Harringtons, and
presented an Exemption Letter, [Case# N18-0007] from the VT Agency of Natural
Resources, which supercedes all subdivision permits previously issued for these
lands. Discussion ensued with regards to review of the plats: access roads for
adjacent properties, etc. Mr. Mance explained that a Right of Way has been
established for the Wood Road by use over 20 or 30 years. Mr. Mance informed the
Board that currently the Strohmaier’s are purchasing the two acre parcel from
Richmond and Mary Hall, and consequently will attain a license to use the
driveway through the Harrington’s, but that the Harrington’s will not provide an
easement to Stromahier, and finally there is no septic currently planned for the
two acre parcel. Mr. Knafel asked for any comments from the audience, whereas
none were offered. With this, Mr. Bubriski made a motion to close said hearing.
Mr. Young seconded this motion. Motion carried 4-0-0. Mr. Bubriski made a motion
to approve this boundary line relocation as presented. Mr. Serrao seconded said
motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Mance rejoined the Shaftsbury Planning Commission at this time.
Conservation Commission:
Mr. Knafel
introduced Ms. Edie Devins at this time, noting that she was a previous member
of the now inactive Shaftsbury Conservation Commission. Discussion ensued as to
the purpose of resurrecting the Conservation Commission, the mission and goals
of such an effort, the collaboration with the Shaftsbury Planning Commission,
projects identified in the current report from the Shaftsbury Economic
Development Review Committee, i.e.: the bike path from North Bennington through
South Shaftsbury to Howard Park, a feasibility study for possible connection to
the Bennington Wastewater Treatment facility, and future review of the Town Plan
with consideration for identification and conservation of natural resources,
etc. Mr. Knafel reported that according to the State of Vermont, Shaftsbury
still has a Conservation Commission, but that it is currently unstaffed. Mr.
Mance reported that the inventory work for the Conservation Commission has
already been done, and that BCRC has all of that information. With this, it was
decided that Ms. Edie Devins would contact some residents who might be
interested in serving Shaftsbury within this capacity, noting that a few
meetings would be necessary to attain 5-7 interested, qualified residents, who
then could brainstorm some ideas/projects for the Town. In the interim, it was
decided that Mr. Mance will contact Mr. Peter Cross, Chairman of the Shaftsbury
Selectboard, about this preliminary goal for an active Conservation Commission.
Mr. Mike Gardner questioned the Economic Development Review Committee’s work?
Mr. Mance explained the history of the survey distributed by EDRC, and their
subsequent report presented to the Town. Mr. Knafel noted that parallels of the
EDRC’s recommendations and those presented in the proposed Town Plan by the
Shaftsbury Planning Commission. Mr. Mance noted that there is a meeting of the
EDRC scheduled for Thursday, November 20th, 2003 at 7:30pm at Cole Hall for
anyone interested. In addition, Mr. Mance noted that the Shaftsbury Selectboard
will be holding their first public hearing on the proposed Town Plan on Monday,
December 15th, 2003 at 7:00pm at Cole Hall.
Correspondence: Mr. Knafel reported the following:
BCRC will be holding their first public hearing on Monday, December 01st, 2003
at 4:00pm for Trevor Mance’s application to be amend the Municipal Solid Waste
Plan for his transfer station proposal. The second hearing for the same is
scheduled for Wednesday, December 03rd, 2003 at 6:00pm at Cole Hall in
Shaftsbury. Mr. David Mance explained that the Municipal Solid Waste Plan must
be amended prior to the State of Vermont considering any application submitted
by Mr. Trevor Mance.
Other Business:
Mr. Bubriski reported that he had received this afternoon a letter and report
dated October 21st, 2003, from Wm. E. Dailey, Inc. regarding their proposed C&D
project. Apparently, Mr. Bubriski reported, this letter and report was
distributed to adjacent landowners of Dailey’s project. Bubriski feels that this
entire project is moving along too quickly and that he has grave concerns for
the externalities, i.e.: dust, emissions, etc. and feels that such a project may
devalue properties in the Town of Shaftsbury, and undermine the quality of the
Town’s infrastructure and questioned what sort of guarantees the Town has in
regards to the type of hazardous materials and/or residues that may be brought
into Shaftsbury through this type of operation, citing the same issues
surrounding September 11th, ground zero. Discussion ensued with regards to the
apparent process that Dailey’s is following, which of the Town Boards would be
involved in their application process, and the obvious need for public input.
Mr. Bubriski also reported that Wm. E. Dailey’s Inc. recently held an invitation
only meeting on November 1st, 2003 with adjacent landowners whereas during such
meeting they agreed to indemnity for the same landowners. Mr. Bubriski
encouraged all Board members to voice their personal opinions in a public forum
to raise awareness of this project and the possible complications it may
present.
Minutes of November 3rd, 2003: Mr. Mance made a motion to approve with
the following correction/omission:
A. Minutes of October 28th, 2003: Mr. Young made a motion to approve with
the following correction: November 17th, 2003 be changed to November 18th, 2003.
Mr. Serrao seconded this motion. Motion carried 3-0-0.
Mr. Young seconded this motion. Motion carried 4-0-1[Bubriski abstained].
Zoning Administrator’s Report:
Mr. Zazzaro reported that he had spoken with Mr. Joe Herrmann in regards to the
Colvin project on Twitchell Hill. Specifically, the water line is a 4” line
because there are only three lots. Questions arose as to the original approval
of the subdivision: water lines or wells? Mr. Mance will investigate and report
back to the Commission at their next regularly scheduled meeting.
The Planning Commission questioned Mr. Zazzaro as to whether he obtained a copy
of the permit which allows Wm. E. Dailey’s to dredge their pond? Mr. Zazzaro
reported that he had only received a verbal confirmation from Brian Lent, but
would contact Brian and request a photocopy of the actual permit for their file.
With no further business before the Commission, Mr. Mance made a motion to
adjourn at 8:55pm. Mr. Serrao seconded this motion. Motion carried 5-0-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Cynthia Hamilton
Board Secretary
Back