Town of Pittsfield, Vermont
Planning Commission
Minutes of July 15, 2014
MEMBERS PRESENT: Suana Bicek, Marsha Hopkins, Don Flynn and Sarah Gray.
GUESTS PRESENT: Bob Charlesbois, Katie Stiles, Kevin Lasko representing the
Original General Store and Steve Libby from the River Conservacy in Montpelier.
Meeting was called to order at 6:30pm at the Town Office.
The minutes from the April 8th meeting were read, motion to approve by Sarah, seconded
by Suana.
Suana read the new regulations from Two Rivers regarding minutes and agenda’s for
town boards and commissions; agenda’s need to be posted 48 hours in advance of any
meeting which would mean agenda’s would need to be available to the Town Office by
noon the Thursday prior to our Tuesday meetings, and minutes needed to be received by
the Town office within five days of meetings. This would mean minutes have to be given
to the Town Office on the Thursday following the meeting because of their office hours.
Mail needed to be outlined on the agenda, new items not on the agenda would need to be
announced at the meetings as an agenda modification.
Suana announced a Modification to the posted Agenda to include new correspondence
from the District 3 Environmental Commission.
Suana reviewed current mail with commission:
Act 250 permit application for Vermont Farms Catering/Vermont Ventures LLC
which includes expansion to existing business.
Waste water permit for Bartlett Corners, Stockbridge for changes to existing
building for five apartments, office space and 7 large events/year. Included was a
letter from the Stockbridge Zoning board stating the improvements did not meet
the definition of substantial and an amendment to land use permit was granted.
There was also a letter from the ANR regarding the portion of the property that
was in the flood plain. Sarah suggested we nudge Stockbridge because all those
improvements on the current building appear to be substantial even though costs
submitted with their application were under the threshold.
Suana read the revision to the draft Act 250 permit for Vermont Ventures
LLC/Vermont Farms Catering stating the permit would not be issued until the
Comments from the Division Historic Preservation and Agency of Agriculture
were received and an amended waste water and potable water supply permit were
issued.
Suana notified the commission that she attended the Select board meeting on the 8th and
told them it would be a good idea if the Planning Commission attended the Act 250
hearing under party status for Vermont Ventures/Vermont Farms Catering. Concerns
were about parking, more congestion on the intersection and an overall dangerous
situation for pedestrians and drivers. Sarah said we had party status regardless and did not
have to inform the select board. At this point in time a discussion ensued with Katie
Stiles and Kevin Lasko from the store.
Sarah made a motion that the commission attend the Act 250 hearing for Vermont
Ventures/Vermont Farms Catering, seconded by Suana; all in favor. Marsha recused
herself because she would be attending the hearing as an abutter and could not attend as
part of the commission.
Suana told the commission she informed the select board at the same meeting that she
had submitted an application for funds to improve the lands from the buyout properties.
It was due prior to their monthly meeting. Steve Libby from the River Conservacy joined
this part of the meeting and explained that Suana had submitted a letter of intent and the
grant application from Two Rivers came out today, July 15th. He explained that the
conservancy was managing a coordinated approach to a paddlers trail along the White
and possibly the Tweed. They also had a small amount of grant funds available so
communities could use their services during the application process. Steve said
applications were complex and involved a development phase and construction phase
which were detailed in nature. He did note all the work Pittsfield has already done to the
sites. Marsha and Don volunteered to help Suana with this process and possibly engage
the conservancy for this process. Steve explained funds could be applied for over two
years; 2014 for design and 2015 for construction so the money would be committed.
The Commission discussed the pending updates required on the Town Plan. Chris
Sargent would not be available to meet with them on the regularly scheduled meeting and
he asked if we could change our regular meeting to the 1st or 2nd of September. The
commission could not for see a problem at this time and would be in touch with Chris to
schedule the meeting.
No further business.
Meeting adjourned at 7:40pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Marsha Hopkins
Secretary
The MINUTES of ____July 15, 2014___________were duly APPROVED on __Sept. 2___, 2014.
Signed________Suana Bicek_____________________________.
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