MINUTES OF THE SHAFTSBURY PLANNING COMMISSION
MARCH 09, 2004, COLE HALL, SHAFTSBURY, VERMONT
Board Present:
Andrew Knafel, Chairman, Kevin Bubriski, Vice-Chairman, William Jakubowski,
David Mance, Mark Young and Jim Serrao.
Board Absent: None
Other’s Present: Lucy Robinson, Bill Pennebaker, Herbert Treible, Anthony
Zazzaro, Zoning Administrator and Cynthia Hamilton.
Call to Order: Mr. Knafel called the meeting to order at 7:30pm.
New Business:
Board Reorganization: Mr. Mance made a motion to elect Mr. Kevin Bubriski as
Chairman and William Jakubowski as Vice-Chairman to become effective at the
March 23rd, 2004 meeting. Mr. Young seconded said motion. Motion carried
unanimously.
Alternate Position: Mr. Jim Serrao confirmed that he is not going to seek
reappointment as an alternate to the Planning Commission. In addition, Mr.
Knafel reported that according to the Vermont Secretary of State, it is only
legal for the Zoning Board of Adjustment to utilize alternate board members. The
Planning Commission thanked Mr. Serrao for his service on the Board and
expressed sadness at his departure.
Subdivision Bylaws Update: Mr. Knafel asked for discussion in regards to
updating the subdivision bylaws, in conjunction with the Town Plan and the
Zoning Bylaws. Discussion ensued with regards to the prioritizing of which
projects listed above. Mr. Knafel directed the Board to review the current
Subdivision regulations and come prepared to discuss at the April 27th, 2004
meeting.
Old Business:
Solid Waste Task Force Subcommittee: Mr. Knafel reported that he had contacted
everyone on the list previously appointed by the Planning Commission and that
recently elected Selectboard member, Jim Mead, who was also appointed as an
alternate to the SWTFS may not work out. Therefore, it was decided to reduce the
SWTFS by one alternate. It was determined that the 1st and 3rd Tuesday or
Wednesday of each month is available as meeting times for the committee.
Consequently, Andrew will contact all appointees to determine which night would
best meet their schedules and report such back to the Planning Commission.
Mr. Serrao expressed concern that two members of the Planning Commission were
appointed to the SWTFS, raising the issue of a conflict of interest and/or
perception of such, due in part to previous issues raised by the Planning
Commission. Discussion ensued with regards to the overall process and path any
recommendations put forth by the SWTFS would have to follow. Mr. Knafel noted
that it is the responsibility of the community at large to watch the process and
ensure it’s applicability to the needs of the community as a whole. Mr.
Pennebaker noted that the SWTFC needs the oversight and guidance that
representatives from the Planning Commission would provide to prevent
inefficient use of time and energy.
Zoning Administrator’s Report: Mr. Zazzaro reported that the new Lot,
Block and Map filing system is complete through 2002.
Other Business:
Noise Ordinance: Mr. Serrao presented a copy of Bennington’s Noise Control
Ordinance for language review. It was determined that this type of ordinance
would be handled quicker through the Selectboard.
Home Occupation Violation?: Discussion ensued with regards to a “chuck
wagon” service currently in operation on Cleveland Avenue. Concerns raised were
the truck delivery traffic occurring. Mr. Zazzaro will investigate and report
back to the Commission.
It was noted that Mr. Peter Cross has recently purchased the Mattison Building
on the 4 Corners in Shaftsbury.
Minutes of February 24th, 2004: Mr. Mance made a motion to approve as
presented. Mr. Jakubowski seconded said motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Correspondence:
BCRC Annual Meeting: Mr. Knafel reported that BCRC is holding their annual
meeting on March 18th, 2004 at the Equinox in Manchester.
BCRC: Senator James Jeffords will be the keynote speaker for BCRC on March 25th,
2004 at the Bennington Museum.
Town of Bennington, Property Design Standards: Mr. Knafel reported that a public
hearing on this will be held on March 17th, 2004 at the Bennington Firehouse.
Shaftsbury
Conservation Commission: Mr. Knafel reported that Edie Tschorn has responded
with a potential group of interested citizens for this Commission; however a
list of specific tasks must be compiled before any recommendation would be put
forth to the Shaftsbury Selectboard for their consideration. Discussion ensued
with regards to possible projects: designation of a bike path between North
Bennington and Shaftsbury, expansion of protected area around water reservoir,
expansion of a nature trail at Howard Park, etc. Mr. Knafel will contact Ms.
Tschorn with these ideas and report back to the Commission.
Adjournment: With no further business before the Commission, Mr. Mance
made a motion to adjourn at 8:17pm. Mr. Young seconded said motion. Motion
carried unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Cynthia Hamilton
Board Secretary