FAIRFAX TOWN OFFICE
PC MEMBERS PRESENT: G. Heyer, M. Hunziker, A. Lemieux, D. Brown, R.
Wimble
PUBLIC PRESENT: S. Taylor, ZA; G. Brunswick, NRPC, B. Ormerod
7:00
PM G. Heyer called the meeting to order. After discussion regarding hammerheads and turnarounds in the
minutes, M. Hunziker made a motion to
accept the minutes from August 10, 2010.
A. Lemieux second. All in favor.
Bill
Ormerod came to the board with his personal ideas regarding the Bylaw Revision.
He had previously submitted his suggestions for changes that were reviewed by
S. Taylor and G. Brunswick. His opinion
is to keep the road widths the same as they are now and to support the position
of fire and rescue. He said the Town
Plan does not reference the size of roads.
His main reason is to ensure safety of both the public and all volunteer
municipal respondents. He did mention
that all uses should not necessarily trigger a road vs a driveway. He suggested the definition of roads be
changed to include lots and units, maybe not uses.
There
was much discussion on why a road should be changed to 4 or more homes. S. Taylor mentioned the rural character of
the town. M. Hunziker mentioned the
safety issue of having many curb cuts, and the expense of a 24 foot road for a
small developer. The length of the road
should also be taken under consideration.
Everyone agreed that every road or driveway needs to be properly
maintained. It was also noted that fire
trucks and equipment has increased in size.
A. Lemieux again stated that affordability, safety and esthetics are all
important. G. Heyer told B. Ormerod
that the Board appreciated his input.
B. Ormerod left at 7:55 PM.
A
letter from John Mitchell was read to the Board. He is concerned that his property at 1135 Main Street will be in
two separate Zoning Districts. The
Board looked at the maps closely and did not think the new districting will
affect his property. M. Hunziker
thanked S. Taylor for the clear and concise letter on Henry Raymond’s web site
(VTGRANDPA.COM) regarding the Bylaw revisions.
The
topic of “principal uses” was discussed in full. G. Brunswick will work on a new definition that will exclude uses
that are accessory to a residential residence.
Mixed uses were also discussed. Mixed
Use may allow multiple principal uses within one or two structures.
The
Board again discussed a compromise for the width of roads. Definitions will be needed
for driveway, shared access and road. The Board would like to be in agreement
with the Selectboard on the width of roads before the public hearing. S. Taylor will present their recommendation for
three categories (driveway, shared access, and road) to the Selectboard on
September 8, 2010. They hope to have a
response before the next Planning
Commission meeting on September 21, 2010.
The Town’s Attorney has also requested a draft of the Bylaws to be
reviewed before the public hearing. The
Public Hearing is tentatively scheduled for Monday October 25, 2010.
9:10
PM M.
Hunziker made a motion to adjourn. D.
Brown second. All in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Cathy Raymond, Zoning and
Planning Assistant
Approved_____________________________________
Date______________, 2010
(Chair)
These minutes are unofficial until approved at the
next regularly scheduled meeting.