MINUTES OF THE SHAFTSBURY PLANNING COMMISSION
May 11, 2004, COLE HALL, SHAFTSBURY, VERMONT
Board Present: Kevin Bubriski, Chairman, David Mance and Mark Young.
Board Absent: William Jakubowski, Vice-Chairman, and Andrew Knafel.
Other’s Present: William Pennebaker, Richard Addison, Robert Clute, Rick Mattison, Lorraine Mattison, Owen & Katherine Beauchesne, Chuck Bushey, Anthony Zazzaro, Zoning Administrator and Cynthia Thomayer.
Call to Order: Mr. Bubriski called the meeting to order at 7:35pm.
Old Business: Solid Waste Task Force Committee Update: Mr. Young updated those present on the current progress of the task force: two on-sites have been scheduled: Pownal Transfer Station on May 12th and County Waste in Clifton Park, NY for May 13th. Young reported that each member of the committee has specific tasks to complete, such as contacting certain people and gathering specific information, and Young suspects that there needs to be a few more meetings before any information will be ready for presentation to the Planning Commission. It was decided that Cyndi Thomayer would be put on the distribution list for distribution to members of the Planning Commission, etc.
Noise Ordinance Draft: Mr. Mance reported that due to time constraints he was unable to review the information received at the previous meeting. Mr. Bubriski opened the floor for discussion of any new information. Mr. Beauchesne distributed information he had gathered in regards to a noise ordinance and abatement. Mr. Mance clarified that he is in favor of a local law ordinance which must be adopted by the Shaftsbury Selectboard first. This type of law would be enforceable through the Town Constable. Mr. Bubriski concurred with Mr. Mance’s preference. Discussion ensued with regards to the process of adopting such an ordinance and the time frame involved. Mr. Bubriski reported that he has had conversations with Les Blomburg from nonoise.org in regards to him coming to Shaftsbury to help with the drafting process of a noise ordinance, citing Blomburg’s recommendation of a step-down approach to noise issues. This would enact any such ordinance in steps over a period of time for compliance. Mr. Clute questioned the waiting period and detailed the cooperation he received from the VSP in regards to his issue with a noisy neighbor. Mr. Beauchesne noted that people need to be responsible for noise abatement and that he hoped it wouldn’t take 2 or 3 years for compliance. Mr. Bubriski noted that the process of designing a noise ordinance involves projections of what the Town of Shaftsbury will sound like in 3 or 4 years. With this discussion, it was decided that members of the Shaftsbury Planning Commission, and the audience at large, come prepared with any specifics they would like to see written into a noise ordinance. The timeline decided on was to have a final draft ready to forward to the Selectboard by July 1st, 2004.
Minutes of April 27th, 2004: Mr. Mance made a motion to approve as presented. Mr. Young seconded said motion. Motion carried 3-0-0.
Mr. Mance recused himself from the Commission at this time.
Application #04-6524S: David Mance; Minor Three Lot Subdivision; Paran Acres. Mr. Mance presented his proposal specific to the 50’ Right of Way for two of the three lots that are located in Shaftsbury, with the remaining area incorporate of the three lots located in Bennington. Mr. Chuck Bushey, representing the Paran Acres Homeowner’s Association noted that the Association is in full support of Mr. Mance’s proposal. Discussion ensued with regards to the possibility of connecting a trail from Paran Acres between Shaftsbury and North Bennington.
Because there wasn’t a quorum to hear this application, only the hearing portion was conducted and this application will be put on the next agenda for the Planning Commission under “Old Business” as an ACTION item.
Zoning Administrator’s Report: Mr. Zazzaro reported the imminent sale of a portion of William E. Dailey’s Inc. as reported in the Bennington Banner.
Mr. Zazzaro reported that he is currently compiling his draft response to a Request for Enforcement he recently received from Cheney, Brock and Saudek, P.C. In addition, Mr. Zazzaro noted that he has faxed a copy of his response to Mr. Paul Doucette, who previously presented in front of the Shaftsbury Planning Commission.
Other Business:
Mr. Zazzaro reported that Jim Whitman, Historic US Route 7A has applied for a Change of Use application.
VT Land Trust Bulletin: BCRC’s Annual Dinner Meeting is scheduled for May 20th, 2004.
With no further business before the Commission, Mr. Mance made a motion to adjourn at 8:28pm. Mr. Young seconded said motion. Motion carried 3-0-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Cynthia Thomayer