Thu, 05 Mar 2026 14:27:54 -0500WeeblyThu, 10 Dec 2015 18:30:24 GMThttp://www.pittsfieldvt.com/2015-planning-commission/draft-minutes-planning-commission-meeting-december-8-2015Town of Pittsfield, Vermont
Planning Commission
Minutes of December 8, 2015
MEMBERS PRESENT: Suana Rubin, Marsha Hopkins, Sarah Gray and Jennifer
Howard.
1. The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm at the Town Office.
2. Agenda Modifications – Letter from new Water Shed Coordinator
3. The minutes from the October 13, 2015 meeting were read. Suana made a motion to approve, seconded by Jennifer, all in favor.
4. Correspondence –

• Letter from the new Water Shed Coordinator with the Department of Environmental Conservation, Danielle Owczarski, introducing herself to local towns and expressing eagerness to begin work with us.

5. Ongoing Issues – Electric Car Charging Station and Park Update

• Suana let everyone know that she attended the last Select Board meeting where it was decided to pass on the Electric Car Charging Station Grant.
• Suana informed the commission that the Select Board had decided to go ahead with all Green infrastructure items; removing berms, shoring up the bank, adding plantings, and bringing in better soil. The Selectboard does have the authority to go ahead with the gray areas as well, whether that comes to a vote remains to be seen.
• Jennifer said Bruce Shaw sent an email saying he was out of town, but was going to join. Suana was going to check with him to make sure he would be in town when the commission was meeting. If he could not be here, Suana thought she might have another viable candidate.

6. PC Future Items
The commission started to review the Matrix attached to the new Town Plan, addressing items listed between 1-3 years.

• Utilities and Facilities – Capital Budget. Sarah thought Two Rivers could help with this item. All agreed to bring up formalizing budget after Town meeting was done since everyone’s plate was full currently and budgets for next year had been completed.
• Flood Resilience- concerning water shed protection. Suana thought it would be good time to bring in the Coordinator since she was eager to start meeting with the local towns. All agreed it should be scheduled possibly for our April meeting.
• Energy – Public Awareness. Marsha suggested getting the library involved to organize some kind of guest lectures demonstrating cost cutting devices and energy saving ideas that everyone in town might be interested in.
• Energy – Identify areas in town that could potentially house alternative forms of energy. This one to be tabled for now since it had a five year timeline on it.
• Economic – Conduct Inventory of local services and identify gaps in services. Commission conducted an inventory and felt the town had an overabundance of services for a small town.

1.  Oil Company
2. Gas Station
3.  Hair Dresser
4.  5 Restaurants
5.  1 Caterer
6.  1 Ski Lift Company
7.  5 Inns
8.  2 General Stores
9.  2 Excavating Companies
10. 1 Dry Cleaning Pick up and Delivery Service
11. 1 Roofing Company
12. 1 Firewood Company
13. 1 Tax Accountant
14. 1 Architecture Firm
15. 1 Bicycle Tour Company
16. 1 Auto Repair Shop

Many local contractors including carpenters, electricians and plumbers.

• Natural Scenic and Historic Resources- Inventory of Wetlands. Sarah said the Forest Service should have already mapped those out. Marsha said she would check with them since she was planning on going to see them for other business.

7. Comments – None
8. Adjournment-
Meeting adjourned at 7:45
Respectfully Submitted,
Marsha Hopkins
Secretary
The MINUTES of December 8, 2015 were duly APPROVED
on February 9,2016.
Signed: Suana Rubin]]>Mon, 19 Oct 2015 17:12:21 GMThttp://www.pittsfieldvt.com/2015-planning-commission/draft-regular-meeting-pittsfield-planning-commission-october-13-2015Town of Pittsfield, Vermont
Planning Commission
Minutes of October 13, 2015
MEMBERS PRESENT: Suana Rubin, Marsha Hopkins and Jennifer Howard.
1. The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm at the Town Office.
2. Agenda Modifications – None
3. The minutes from the September 8th meeting were read. Suana noted the draft
minutes did not indicate that a vote was cast for Marsha to attend the Riverside Farm
Act 250 hearing as Planning Commission Representative. Jen made a motion to
accept the minutes with the correction added, seconded by Suana, all in favor.
4. Correspondence – None
5. Report on Select Board’s Meeting – Electric Car Charging Station and Park Update
Suana and Marsha attended the meeting and informed Jen that the Electric Car
Charging Station was tabled until the next meeting as the Select Board was waiting
for more information.
The Select Board was also waiting for more information from DuBois & King; they
will be doing a presentation concerning the park options. Suana said the town
may canvas voters prior to town meeting to get a feel for sentiment on the issue.
Bill Leimgruber attended the meeting and presented another petition protesting
the proposed park.
Bill Orhen also attended the Select Board meeting and spoke about illegal signage on
town property and the fireworks. He suggested the Select Board adopt an ordinance
banning fireworks. The Commission discussed the Act 250 hearing outcomes to
date.
6. New Planning Commission Member-
Suana informed the Commission that the Select Board had appointed Bruce Shaw to
the Planning Commission. She called him and he was out of town but would have
to think about accepting the appointment. He would be available for the next
meeting.
7. Meeting Schedule -
Next meetings set for December 8th, February 9th and April 12th at 6:30pm. Next
Topic would be Action Items on Town Plan.
8. Comments- None – No public attended.
9. Adjournment-
Meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Marsha Hopkins
Secretary
The MINUTES of October 13, 2015, were duly APPROVED
on December 8, 2015
Signed: Suana Rubin]]>Thu, 10 Sep 2015 14:25:58 GMThttp://www.pittsfieldvt.com/2015-planning-commission/-draft-minutes-pittsfield-planning-commission-meeting-september-8-2015Town of Pittsfield, Vermont
Planning Commission
Minutes of September 8, 2015

MEMBERS PRESENT: Suana Rubin, Marsha Hopkins and Jennifer Howard.
1. The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm at the Town Office.
2. Agenda Modifications – None
3. The minutes from the August 11th meeting were read, motion to approve by Suana,
seconded by Jen, all in favor.
4. Correspondence –
 Select Board forwarded a letter regarding available grants for electric car charging
stations. The grant needed to start with the Planning Commission. After
discussion, the Commission members agreed to gather more information and
pursue the grant. Suana would attend the next Select Board meeting.
 Receipt of two more draft Town Plans; one from Killington and one from
Chittenden.
 Act 250 Notification for Riverside Farm for Fireworks. Jennifer Howard told
members present she and Charlie would be attending the hearing as abutters but
thought it would be a good idea if the Commission participated in the hearing.
After discussion, the Commission decided to attend the hearing tentatively
scheduled for the 21st of September. Suana would not be able to attend however,
Marsha was available.
5. Report on Select Board’s Hearing of the Town Plan-
During the meeting on August 18th, the Select Board approved the Plan and
forwarded it to Two Rivers. Sharon Flynn attended the meeting and commented that
she had reviewed the Plan and found it to be a good comprehensive document.
6. New Planning Commission Member-
Marsha submitted Shawn Jarecki’s letter of resignation. After discussion, the
Commission agreed to submit Bruce Shaw’s name to the Select Board as a
possible candidate.
7. Meeting Schedule for December, February and April-
After discussion, the Commission scheduled a meeting for October 13th to discuss the
any grant information pertaining to the electric car charging station. Other meeting
dates tabled until next meeting.
8. Comments- None
9. Adjournment-
Meeting adjourned at 8:25pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Marsha Hopkins
Secretary
The MINUTES of September 8, 2015 were duly approved on October 13, 2015
S/Suana Rubin


]]>Thu, 13 Aug 2015 14:41:25 GMThttp://www.pittsfieldvt.com/2015-planning-commission/draft-minutes-pittsfield-planning-commission-meeting-august-11-2015Town of Pittsfield, Vermont
Planning Commission
Minutes of August 11, 2015
MEMBERS PRESENT: Suana Rubin, Marsha Hopkins, Sarah Gray and Jennifer Howard
from the Planning Commission and Patty Haskins, Town Clerk.
1. Meeting called to order at 6:30pm.
2. Agenda Modifications:
Patty Haskins, Town Clerk, brought over one email from Erica Hurd and a note from
George Deblon with their views of the proposed park. Erica liked the natural look of
the land as is. George gave several suggestions: trees could potentially block site
lines, no tables or benches should be placed there, flat rocks implanted on the bank
would enable easy access and seating by river.
Patty said town communication was an issue discussed at the last Select Board meeting
and she gave the Commission the rules on Open Town Meeting Minutes from the VT
League of Cities and Towns, and the Vermont Statutes. Marsha said she would review
them, but briefly scanned and said she was putting the required information in the
Minutes within the required time frames.
3. Minutes:
The minutes from the June 9th meeting were read, motion to approve Jen, seconded by
Suana, all in favor. The minutes from the July 14th meeting were read, motion to
approve by Sarah, seconded by Jen, all in favor.
4. Correspondence:
 Suana read the letter dated August 4th from the Select Board recognizing the
hard work, effort and commitment of the Planning Commission in updating
the Town Plan
 Letter from Two Rivers thanking the Town for paying their annual dues and
retaining their membership
 Letter from the VT League of Cities and Towns announcing the annual Town
Fair at the Grand Hotel on October 8, 2015
 Draft town plan received from Killington for review
5. Proposed Park:
The commission discussed in depth the requests from the last Select Board meeting
and the comments received at the last Planning Commission meeting. After much
discussion; the Commission came up with the following options for the buy out
properties:
1. Do absolutely nothing.
2. Brush hog two times annually and leave land as is.
3. Shore up the bank, brush hog two times annually.
4. Shore up bank, plant low maintenance grasses and brush hog as needed
5. Shore up bank, plant low maintenance grasses, brush hog as needed and plant two
rows of trees (the first row at least 10 feet from road to ensure good sight lines,
the second row near the river bank.
6. Do everything in #5 plus create 2-3 parking spots using hard pack material and
construct historical sign with history and dedication to Donald Flynn.
Jen said she would draft the letter for the Select Board.
6. New Planning Commission Member;
It was decided that Marsha would contact Shawn and have him submit a letter of
resignation so the Commission could start recruiting a new member. The
Commission felt some of the people that came to the last meeting might be a good
place to start.
7. Meeting Schedule:
After discussion, the Commission set the following schedule for the upcoming months
Since the Town Plan was completed and the only large project was the park which
would most likely have to wait until after town meeting.
September 8, 2015 6:30pm
December 8, 2015 6:30pm
February 9, 2016 6:30pm
8. Comments from public:
NONE - no one attended meeting; even after a call for suggestions from the Select
Board.
9. Adjournment
Respectfully Submitted,
Marsha Hopkins
Secretary
]]>Wed, 15 Jul 2015 22:01:13 GMThttp://www.pittsfieldvt.com/2015-planning-commission/draft-minutes-pittsfield-planning-commission-hearing-meeting-july-14-2015Town of Pittsfield, Vermont
Planning Commission
Minutes of July 14, 2015
MEMBERS PRESENT: Suana Bicek, Marsha Hopkins, Sarah Gray and Jennifer Howard
from the Planning Commission and Dave Larkin and Wendy Reese from the Select
Board. Patty Haskins, Town Clerk was in attendance. Ellie Rae from Two Rivers was in
attendance along with members of the public; Lynda Colton, Ray Colton, Nancy Wisner,
Fred S., Karen Marion, Bill Leimgruber, Carolynn Stockwell, Bruce Shaw and Colby
Shaw.
1. The public hearing was called to order at 6:30pm at the Town Office.
Comments were heard. A revision to the cemetery section was made; adding
information on one private cemetery with three gravestones. Comments from the public
included opposition to the new park development on the FEMA buy out sites, however
this discussion was tabled for the regular Planning Commission meeting. The section
referring to the “park” was revised to read the effort was a “work in progress”.
After no further comments were made, Suana closed the hearing.
2. Planning Commission meeting opened to vote on Town Plan. Sarah made a motion to
accept the Revised Town Plan, seconded by Jennifer, all in favor.
3. Agenda Modifications – Discussion regarding construction of the park on the FEMA
buy out sites. Bill Leimgruber presented a petition signed by residents; residents did not
want the park constructed. Comments included safety issues from Nancy Wisner. She
was afraid that adding another cross road would make the area more prone to accidents.
Bill Leimgruber did not want a parking lot across from his house. Wendy was concerned
about cost factors for the maintenance. Others concerned about trees washing down river.
The Commission explained this has been going on for over a year and the Commission
had no idea anyone had opposition to the plans since public meetings had been held and
the plans had been displayed for comment. The commission members stated that the
grant provided needed river bank repair which would not be available on its own to
prevent further damage in the future. The Commission also explained that the Select
Board had approved all grant applications. It was concluded that the petition and
discussion would be brought to the next Select Board meeting on August 4th .
4. The minutes from the June 9th meeting were tabled.
5. Correspondence – Tabled until next meeting.
6. Comments – No further comments.
7. Adjournment- The commission’s next meeting would be August 11th to discuss the
Village Designation. Meeting adjourned, 8:20pm
Respectfully Submitted,
Marsha Hopkins
Secretary
]]>Thu, 11 Jun 2015 22:01:37 GMThttp://www.pittsfieldvt.com/2015-planning-commission/draft-minutes-pittsfield-planning-commission-june-9-2015Town of Pittsfield, Vermont
Planning Commission
Minutes of June 9, 2015
MEMBERS PRESENT: Suana Bicek, Marsha Hopkins, Shawn Jarecki and Jennifer
Howard. Ellie Rae from Two Rivers in attendance to assist with Town Plan
1. The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm at the Town Office. This meeting was
posted as a public forum for comments on Town Plan. No public attendees.
2. Agenda Modifications – Copy of RFP (Construction project at Town of Pittsfield
FEMA buyout sites) was distributed for information purposes. Bids due June 11, 2015.
3. The minutes from the May 26th meeting were read, motion to approve by Jennifer,
seconded by Suana, all in favor.
4. Correspondence - None
5. Town Plan 2015 – The Commission reviewed the schedule for finalization, Suana
verified with Select Board that the August 18th meeting is a viable date.
June 12th – Mailing to neighboring PC’s and report
July 14th – Planning Commission Public Hearing
July 15th – Town publishes 30 day notice warning Select board Hearing
August 18th – Select board hearing and adoption
August 19th – If approved send to Two Rivers for approval by their Board
The commission reviewed and edited the entire plan noting any last minute changes
before it would be finalized and sent out. Jennifer said she would look through her file for
a possible picture for the cover. Ellie said she would check into whether the grant funded
copying of the plan. Each member requires a copy plus there needed to copies available
in the Town Office for pick up by the public.
6. Comments - None
7. Adjournment- The commission’s next meeting would be July 14th for the Hearing.
Meeting adjourned at 8:10 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Marsha Hopkins
Secretary
The MINUTES of _______________, 2015 were duly APPROVED
on________________ , 2015
Signed]]>Wed, 27 May 2015 16:54:31 GMThttp://www.pittsfieldvt.com/2015-planning-commission/draft-minutes-pittsfield-planning-commission-meeting-may-26-2015Town of Pittsfield, Vermont
Planning Commission
Minutes of May 26, 2015

MEMBERS PRESENT: Suana Bicek, Marsha Hopkins and Jennifer Howard. Ellie Ray
from Two Rivers in attendance to assist with Town Plan and Mary Russ.

1. The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm at the Town Office.
2. Agenda Modifications – Mary Russ CDBG Request for Proposals
Mary brought the RFP for the planning commission to look over. Funds for the block
grant to finalize and construct the site improvements at the 3 buyout properties along
Route 100 and Parmenter Drive run out on December 31, 2015. Mary said she would
check with the Town to make sure we were in compliance with procurement policies.
RFP bid submission due date is June 11 and will be reviewed and approved at next Select
board meeting. FEMA would need to approve construction. Commission discussed
VTrans bridge project and its effect on the project. VTrans would repair parking area
slated for the project since the temporary bridge will be running through designated spot.
3. The minutes from the April 28th meeting were read, motion to approve by Suana,
seconded by Marsha, all in favor. Minutes from the May 12 meeting were read, motion
to approve Suana, seconded Jennifer, all in favor.
4. Correspondence - None
5. Town Plan 2015 – Action items were addressed; responsible parties and time frames to
implement were finalized.
The Commission discussed the time frames established at the last meeting for plan
adoption; Ellie Ray said she would double check with Patty to make sure the Select board
was meeting in July.
6. Comments- None
7. Adjournment- The commission scheduled the next meeting for June 9. Meeting
adjourned at 7:50pm.

Respectfully Submitted,
Marsha Hopkins
Secretary
]]>Thu, 14 May 2015 13:18:44 GMThttp://www.pittsfieldvt.com/2015-planning-commission/draft-minutes-pittsfield-planning-commission-meeting-may-12-2015Town of Pittsfield, Vermont
Planning Commission
Minutes of May 12, 2015

MEMBERS PRESENT: Suana Bicek, Marsha Hopkins, Sarah Gray and Jennifer
Howard. Ellie Rae from Two Rivers in attendance to assist with Town Plan

1. The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm at the Town Office.

2. Agenda Modifications – None

3. The minutes from the April 28th meeting were tabled until the next meeting on May
26th.

4. Correspondence - None

5. Town Plan 2015 – Ellie Ray distributed the action items to the commission to review
and add comment. The commission scheduled addressing the items at the May 26th
meeting. The town plan historical section was discussed and it was decided that Suana
and Jennifer would condense and edit it for submission to Two Rivers.
The timetable for plan adoption was discussed and a tentative schedule agreed upon.
     June 12th – Mailing to neighboring PC’s and report
     July 14th – Planning Commission Public Hearing
     July 15th – Town publishes 30 day notice warning Select board Hearing
     August 18th – Select board hearing and adoption
     August 19th – If approved send to Two Rivers for approval by Board
The commission reviewed and edited land use sections and final sections of plan. Ellie
will distribute final draft of plan for board review by the 26th and on June 9th meeting any
final changes could be made.

6. Comments- None

7. Adjournment- The commission scheduled the next meeting May 26th. Meeting

adjourned at 8:40pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Marsha Hopkins
Secretary]]>Thu, 30 Apr 2015 13:23:11 GMThttp://www.pittsfieldvt.com/2015-planning-commission/draft-minutes-pittsfield-planning-commission-meeting-april-28-2015Town of Pittsfield, Vermont
Planning commission
Minutes April 28, 2015

MEMBERS PRESENT: Suana Bicek, Jennifer Wall-Howard, Marsha Hopkins and Shawn Jarecki. Ellie Rae from Two Rivers in attendance to assist with Town Plan.

1. Meeting was called to order at 6:09 p.m. at the town Office.

2. Agenda Modifications-mail: invitation for members to attend a Planning and Zoning forum at Lake Morey, June 10th. Suana may attend.

3. The minutes from April 15, 2015 were read and approved, motion by Shawn, seconded by Marsha, all in favor.

4. Town Plan, continue work
• Ellie Mae will update mandated language
• Completed Transportation, Energy and Economic Development sections
• Next meeting we will discuss plans for public hearing dates

5. Comments- The next meetings were scheduled for May 12 and May 26th, both at  6:30 p.m.

6. Adjournment- Meeting adjourned at 8:09 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,
Jennifer Wall-Howard
Planning Commission member

]]>Wed, 15 Apr 2015 19:14:50 GMThttp://www.pittsfieldvt.com/2015-planning-commission/-draft-pittsfield-planning-commission-meeting-minutes-april-14-2015Town of Pittsfield, Vermont
Planning Commission
Minutes of April 15, 2015


MEMBERS PRESENT:  Suana Bicek, Marsha Hopkins and Shawn Jarecki.  Ellie Rae from Two Rivers in attendance to assist with Town Plan
1. The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm at the Town Office.
2. Agenda Modifications – None
3. The minutes from March 3rd were read and approved, motion by Suana, seconded Marsha, all in favor. The minutes from March 24 were read and approved, motion by Shawn, seconded by Marsha, all in favor. 
4. Correspondence –
• Two Rivers flyer for Land Use Training Sessions for Select Board and Planning Commission members.
5. Town Plan 2015 – Ellie Ray started with Goals and Policies in the Flood Resiliency Section for the commission to review. Transportation and Energy were reviewed through pages 15.  The board discussed turbines and decided Shawn would look into legality of language to be put in plan.  The commission decided to review the balance of the section on their own and send comments to Ellie.  The next meeting would start with policies and goals in the Transportation and Energy section after everyone had time to review.  
6. Comments- The next meetings were scheduled for the 29th of April, followed by May 12 and May 26.  The 29th would be scheduled for 6:00pm because of the volume of material that needed to be covered.  
7. Adjournment- Meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm.   

Respectfully Submitted,
Marsha Hopkins
Secretary

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