PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES                                 September 14, 2011

 

Fairfax Town Office

 

Members Present: G. Heyer, M. Hunziker, D. Brown

Public Present: Skip Taylor, ZA; Greta Brunswick, NRPC

 

 

7:00 PM- G. Heyer opened the meeting.  D. Brown moved to accept the minutes from the August 2, 2011 meeting; M. Hunziker 2nd.  All in favor.

 

 

Greta Brunswick of the Northeast Regional Planning Commission met with the Planning Commission to discuss the application process for a Municipal Planning Grant from the Vermont Department of Economic, Housing and Community Development.  She explained that the deadline for application has been extended from September 30 to October 30, 2011 due to Hurricane Irene.

 

Greta distributed a draft project description for the application and a Work Plan and Budget Summary.  These costs would include work by NRPC, a Vision Committee, the Planning Commission, and any consultants.  Total projected costs are $16,700.  Grant funds being requested are $13,800, with requested matching funds from the Town of $2900.  Skip and G. Heyerwill meet with the Selectboard Monday, September 19, 2011 to request approval for matching funds.

 

There was discussion regarding drafting people for a Vision Committee – word-of-mouth, large landowners, business owners, variety of residents, school representative, community center organization, etc.  Greta suggested members be the Planning Commission plus an additional 5-6 people.

 

There was additional discussion on wording in the grant application, a village green, identifying infrastructure needs, funding for water/wastewater issues, and the need for a local facilitator rather than a consultant.

 

The next meeting date depends on the Selectboard’s response to the request for matching funds.

 

7:55 PM- D. Brown moved to adjourn, M. Hunziker 2nd.  All in favor.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Martha Varney, Zoning and Planning Assistant