​Town of Pittsfield Planning Commission
DRAFT Minutes of April 26, 2022 (Working Session)
 
Members Present:  Ryan Thompson, Marsha Hopkins, Jen Howard, Sarah Gallagher
 
1.  Call to order.  Sarah called the meeting to order at 6:14 p.m.
 
2.  Modifications:  None
 
3. Correspondence:  None
 
4.  Approval of April 12, 2022, meeting minutes:  Tabled to next meeting.
 
5.  Public Present:  Kim Gilbert, TRORC
 
6.  Town Plan update:  It was decided that the last 4 columns of the Housing Occupancy Table would be removed as they didn’t seem relevant.  The Implementation Matrix was reviewed and updated.  Sarah will review second home data from 2015 plan and try to figure out the current numbers.  Kim reviewed the adoption process, noting the plan should be reviewed by the Select Board before the public hearing hosted by the Planning Commission.  Changes can be made after that hearing based on public input, but not substantial changes can occur after the Select Board hearing, so it’s important that the Select Board be in accord with this update.  Kim reminded the Commission that anyone at TRORC can help with any questions, etc. after she leaves (May 12) and suggested contacting Kevin Geiger first.  Kim will forward an updated clean copy of the Plan and commissioners are asked to make any edits and suggestions and get them to her by May 5.
 
7.  Selection of new chair:  Marsha agreed to convene the Commission for its next meeting as Sarah’s and Micheline’s terms will be up at Town Meeting on May 3.
 
8.  Next meeting:  June 14 at 6 p.m.
 
9.  Adjournment:  The meeting adjourned at 7:21 p.m.
 
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah Gallagher, Chair
 
The minutes of the April 26, 2022, meeting were duly approved on________________________
 
By:___________________________________________________

Members Present: Sarah Gallagher, Micheline Bissell, Ryan Thompson, Jennifer Howard and Marsha Hopkins.
 
1.  Call to Order Meeting called to Order at 6:03pm.
 
2.  Agenda Modifications: None.
 
3.  Correspondence: None.
 
4.  Approval of Minutes from February 9, 2021 meeting. Motion to approve by Sarah, seconded by Ryan all in favor
 
5.  Public Present Kimberly Gilbert from TRORC and Josh Merrill.
Josh Merrill said he had started the Act 250 process for his project on the east side of Route 100 and it was turning out to be a cumbersome and expensive process.  He wanted the Commission’s thoughts on the process and circumstances surrounding his project.  A discussion ensued. In conclusion, the Commission told him we were not a governing board and the approval lies in the hands of the Act 250 Commission, the decision to proceed is up to him.
 
6.  Town Plan Update and Remaining Work 
Sarah informed the Commission that Kim would be leaving her position at TRORC in May. The timeline for preview to the Select Board and the public forum were discussed, Kim suggested we present the draft to Select Board at the same time we advertise for the public forum. Kim said she would send over a document that walks through the entire adoption process.  The only requirement of our Municipal Planning Grant is that we have an adoptable version by the end of May.  Everyone felt we were very close at this point and with a couple of meetings we could get the Plan to that point.
 
Kim and the members of the Commission reviewed the following items we marked to revisit at a later date.
 

• Overall purpose and objectives of the Plan, Chapter 1, Section E; verbiage on flood language was added.
• Housing stats for second homes needed for plan; the Commission felt the Listers in town could get Kim those stats.
• Economic transformation section was updated to reflect current trends.
• Demographics Section II, Part B, projections for population were updated to reflect more current population trends.
• Chapter 10, Economic Development; median gross income class deleted as there is no relevant current information.
• Land Use, Village Center Section E, policies section; edited to include quiet enjoyment of residential property.
• Land Use, Route 100 Corridor Section; policies edited to include surface water run-off.
• Economic Development, Arts section; edited to include Pittsfield Community Connections.
• Map review; edited to reflect the newly created Tweed River Open Space Park.  Kim suggested everyone visit the TRORC.ORG/towns/maps to further review the maps prior to the next meeting. The Commission went back to Utilities, Facilities section to reflect the park.  Kim wanted us to review the Forestry map created by Vermont Fish and Wildlife.  This map coincides with new Forestry habitat section.
• Airbnb section in Housing was updated and renamed.
• The Commission reviewed other small items.

 
Kim said she would send everyone out a new revised edition for review.  The Commission agreed to meet one more time in April to firm up plan and do any additional editing.
 
7.  Selection of New Chairperson Tabled
 
8.  Next Meeting – April 26 
9.  Adjournment; motion to adjourn 8:09 pm by Sarah, seconded by Jen, all in favor. 
 
.
Respectfully Submitted,
Marsha Hopkins
Secretary
 
 
The Minutes of April 12, 2022 were duly APPROVED on __________________The ____________
 
By ____________________________________

Members Present: Sarah Gallagher, Micheline Bissell, Ryan Thompson and Marsha Hopkins.

1. Call to Order
Meeting called to Order at 6:37pm.
2. Agenda Modifications: Terms
Sarah Gallagher said she would be ending her tenure when her term was up. Micheline Bissell’s term is also up but she did not make a decision as to whether she would renew her term.  She would let the Select Board know by town meeting day.
3. Correspondence:
Josh Merrill sent a request to the Planning Commission asking for an opinion on his future project for the construction of a storage unit facility on the east side of Route 100.  The Commission discussed this in depth. The conclusion of the Commission was that since we are not the authoritative governing board for a project such as this, we could not issue an opinion. Sarah said she would draft an email and send to everyone for their edits prior to sending to Josh.
4. Approval of Minutes from October 19, 2021 meeting.
Motion to approve by Marsha, seconded by Micheline, all in favor
5. Public Present
Kimberly Gilbert from TRORC.  Introduction
6. Town Plan Update and Remaining Work
Kimberly sent an updated draft to everyone with all track changes.  The Commission agreed that they would individually send Kimberly their thoughts and changes on what has already been updated so the Commission could move forward to the Natural, Historic and Scenic Resources section.
All agreed the Wetlands section was pretty boiler plate; the goals and policies were reviewed to ensure accuracy. The Commission carefully reviewed the Flood Hazard policies and goals so future revisions to the Flood Hazard Regulations could be made using the goals and policies in the plan as a reference point. Ryan Thompson suggested we add something regarding run off in the Water Resources section.  Kimberly looked at other local town plans to see if that was addressed but did not see anything.  The Commission felt some reference to run off should be addressed in goals and policies. The remaining sections were reviewed and few edits were made.
The timeline was reviewed again, and the hope was by May we could send a draft to the Select Board.  Any changes requested by the Board could be made prior to the public hearing. Kimberly said she would construct the matrix by our next meeting.
​7.Next meeting April 12th.

Members Present: Sarah Gallagher, Micheline Bissell and Marsha Hopkins, along with AJ Ruben from Zoning. 

1. Call to Order

Meeting called to Order at 6:05pm.

1. Agenda Modifications: None

 

1. Correspondence:

Sarah updated   Commission on BRIC Technical Assistance. The town was accepted; nine regions in the country were designated and Pittsfield was accepted for the town in our region.  We are asking for technical assistance, no money involved, to have an engineer come and assess the town for some mitigation projects such as flood, emergency, etc, including FEMA stirring Pittsfield in the right direction for obtaining relevant grants.                                                                 

1. Approval of Minutes from April 13, 2021 meeting.

Motion to approve by Marsha, seconded by Micheline, all in favor
Approval of Minutes from July 13, 2021.
Motion to approve by Micheline, seconded by Marsha, all in favor.

1. Public Present

Kimberly Gilbert from TRORC.  Introduction

1. Town Plan Update:

Kimberly provided a status update for the Commission on what has been done and what remains to be done. Sarah suggested everyone go back and review and if we have edits, we can discuss in January.  Kim informed Commission that some of the census data still has not been released for the Demographics, Housing and Economic Development. TRORC is monitoring and waiting on the release for further updates.
 
The Energy Section appears overwhelming for a small town but is necessary for the Enhanced  Energy Review at the regional level which will require larger scale energy developers to adhere to the Town Plan per Kimberly. Sarah said that Matt is the Energy Coordinator and Joyce is the alternate but we do not have an Energy Committee.  When the plan goes before Select Board, AJ suggested that might be the time to suggest the formation of an Energy Committee. AJ liked the census detail that was detailed in the plan regarding consumption within Pittsfield. Marsha felt all you could do in Pittsfield was educate people unless you put more restrictions in the plan as to placement, noise, location etc. Kimberly said the plan has generic requirements for sites. AJ suggested the plan opens up the space for the Select Board or Planning Commission to revisit this in the future whether it by ordinance or something else. The Planning Commission asked Kimberly to send us some of the requirements for Preferred and Prohibited sites that other towns have put into their plans for our review.
 
Kimberly said the important part of this section is the policies and goals.  Sarah reworded the third bullet to make more sense.  Marsha did not know there was a new parking ordinance.  Sarah said overnight spots have no signage but it is allowed in certain spots to encourage carpooling.  The Commission questioned the PACE program and if it was relevant to Pittsfield. Kimberly was not sure which towns actually use it. Kimberly said the goal was to have the Select Board discuss it.  Kimberly said Act 45 would have all the info. Sarah reworded 5th policy as well.
 
AJ said he would check into the status of the Capital Budget, Marsha wanted to reword the section.
 
Kimberly asked if we wanted to include Health and Emergency Services or have it stand alone as a chapter.  The Commission preferred to have it stand alone as its own chapter.
 
Further discussion ensued regarding timing of plan, public forum and Select Board approval.

1. Next meeting January 11, 2022.

 

1. Adjournment – Meeting adjourned, motion by Micheline, seconded Marsha, all in favor

 
 
Respectfully Submitted,
Marsha Hopkins
Secretary
 
 
The Minutes of October 19, 2021 were duly APPROVED on ______________________________
 
By __________________________________________

​Town of Pittsfield Planning Commission
Minutes of July 13, 2021
 
Members Present: Sarah Gallagher, Jen Howard, Micheline Bissell
 

1. Call to Order:  Meeting called to Order at 6:05 p.m. with no Zoom participants.
2. Agenda Modifications:  None

                                                                               

1. Correspondence:  BRIC Technical Assistance Program.  Selectboard Chair Ann Kuendig had emailed Sarah to let her know we were accepted to this program.  Sarah forwarded the link to an online meeting for participants to find out first steps.  Everyone is encouraged to attend.
2. Approval of April 13 minutes.  Tabled until October meeting.
3. Public Present: Kim Gilbert, TRORC
4. Town Plan update:  Chapter 7, Flood Resilience.  Much of the material specific to Irene will be deleted as we don’t need to re-tell the story. Mention of the additional flooding in April of 2019 will be added.  Kim updated the buyout information. Some definitions/descriptions of terms will be added (flood zone, floodways, flood area, river corridor area). Chapter 8, Kim had updated road and culvert information.  Sarah will follow up with George again about an updated list of current vehicles and equipment as well as plans for future needs. Note that the ‘Stagecoach’ does not currently stop in Pittsfield though residents may call to request a pickup.  The Energy Chapter was not reviewed due to lack of participation by Energy Coordinator.  Figure 12 was removed from Chapter 10, Kim will update chart data.  There was mention of the region’s active creative sector and updating farming to include maple sugaring and beef cattle.
5. Next Meeting:  October 19, 2021. (PLEASE NOTE CHANGE FROM OCTOBER 12 TO ACCOMMODATE KIM’S SCHEDULE).  We will review Energy chapter and continue to move forward.  Reminder that our draft must be completed by May of 2022.  After that the Commission will host a Public Forum, and the Select Board must also host a Public Forum before they can adopt the plan.  Sarah will again invite Energy Coordinator Matt Corron and alternate Joyce Stevens to attend the October meeting.
6. Adjournment:  Motion to adjourn at 8:37 by Jen, seconded by Micheline, all in favor.

 
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah Gallagher (with thanks to Micheline)
 
Minutes of the July 13, 2021, meeting were duly approved on ____________________________________________
 
By: _____________________________________________________

​Town of Pittsfield Planning Commission
Minutes of April 13, 2021
 
Members Present: Sarah Gallagher, Jen Howard, Tim Carter, Micheline Bissell and Marsha Hopkins, along with AJ Ruben from Zoning. 
 

1. Call to Order

Meeting called to Order at 6:05pm, members participating via Zoom.
 

1. Public Forum: Land Use/Forestry section of the town plan.  In attendance from general public was Betty Warner.  Sarah explained that the forum was a requirement of the grant received by the Planning Commission to revise the plan.  Kimberly reviewed the revisions that were incorporated into this draft.  Emphasis was on wording and language changes.  A discussion ensued regarding further clarity, references and detail on some of the sections.  Marsha had issues with the Residential section finding it contradictory and confusing.  The Commission agreed this section needed some editing before it was finalized.  Marsha volunteered to come up with some edits and distribute through email. No objections, changes or suggestions were noted by public present. The forum ended at 7:10 and the Commission conducted regularly scheduled business.

 

1. Agenda Modifications: None

 

1. Correspondence: None

 

1. Approval of Minutes from March 16, 2021 meeting.

Motion to approve by Tim, seconded by Micheline
 

1. Public Present:

Kimberly Gilbert from TRORC.  Introduction
 

1. Town Plan Update:

The Commission decided that they would review and edit Chapters 7-10 for the next meeting.
Kimberly said we could conceivably be finished with the draft plan by October.
 

1. Next meeting: July 13, 2021.

 

1. Adjournment: Meeting adjourned, motion by Tim, seconded Jen, all in favor

 
 
Respectfully Submitted,
Marsha Hopkins
Secretary
 
 
The Minutes of April 13, 2021 were duly APPROVED on ______________________________
 
By __________________________________________

​Town of Pittsfield Planning Commission
Minutes of March 16, 2021
 
Members Present: Sarah Gallagher, Jen Howard, Tim Carter, Micheline Bissell and Marsha Hopkins, along with AJ Ruben from Zoning.  Kimberly Gilbert from TRORC.

1. Call to Order

Meeting called to Order at 6:35pm, members participating via Zoom.

1. Agenda Modifications

None

1. Correspondence: None

1. Approval of Minutes from January 12, 2021 meeting.

Motion to approve by Jen, seconded by Tim, all in favor.

1. Public Present

Kimberly Gilbert from TRORC.  Introduction

1. Commission Appointments

Marsha Hopkins accepted appointment

1. Town Plan update, finalize draft of Land Use and Forestry Sections

Kimberly gave the Commission Tunbridge’s Land Use and Forestry section as an example.  Kimberly suggested we list all the habitat connectors. Sarah said Hedge Hog Knoll was a known location between the Green Mt. Nat’l Forest, Lower Michigan and Tozier Hill Road.  It was known for hunting. Micheline inquired as to whether it was private or town owned.  The Commission discussed various connectors in town and many were on private lands. Everyone agreed that we would not list these private corridors but generalize about corridors in the National Forest which surrounds Pittsfield.  Kimberly asked for a volunteer to write a paragraph describing the Forest corridors.  Sarah volunteered.  Kimberly asked about the status of zoning, the commission told her the town voted it down several times.  AJ made reference to the Act 250 triggers noted in the plan.  The commission went onto to review the next four sections regarding sectors in Pittsfield; Village Center, Route 100 Corridor, Flood Hazard Area and Residential.  Minor changes were made.  Kimberly said she would distribute a new working draft of this section for our April 13th meeting.
 
The structure of the meeting would be one hour for public comment and the next hour would be for the Planning Commission to review the next sections. Kimberly asked if we wanted to include other sections besides Land Use, the Commission agreed for this forum we would include Land Use only.

1. Next meeting April 13, 2021 at 6pm.

 

1. Adjournment – Meeting adjourned, motion by Tim, seconded Jen, all in favor

Respectfully Submitted,
Marsha Hopkins
Secretary
 
 
The Minutes of March 16, 2021 were duly APPROVED on April 20, 2021
 
By (s)Sarah Gallagher

Town of Pittsfield Planning Commission
Minutes of January 12, 2021
 
Members Present: Sarah Gallagher, Jen Howard, Tim Carter, Micheline Bissell and Marsha Hopkins, along with AJ Ruben.  Kimberly Gilbert from TRORC.

1. Call to Order

Meeting called to Order at 6:35pm, members participating via Zoom.

1. Agenda Modifications

None

1. Correspondence:

• FY21 Better Connections Grant Info- Sarah is waiting on more info from Tory Littlefield and Stephanie Smith (VEM) to present to the Select Board.
• Planning Commission did receive the Planning Grant.  The grant does hold a stipulation for a public forum regarding Land Use.

 

1. Approval of Minutes from October 13, 2020 meeting.

Motion to approve by Jen, seconded by Tim, all in favor.

1. Public Present

Kimberly Gilbert from TRORC.  Introduction

1. Commission Appointments

Jen Howard accepted appointment, Marsha Hopkins pending

1. Grant Application for Generator

Update, Pittsfield did not fit the criteria for outage times but Sarah feels we may be able to apply for other grants for this purpose.

1. Town Plan Update, Review of Chapters 1-6

Conclusions from group discussions on working revised draft
Chapter 1 Town History- updates for local private businesses will be inserted on page 9. Sarah said she would be happy to craft language.
Page 11 will be updated to reflect Plan Life Cycle, group will revisit Purpose and Objectives of Plan later with more chapters complete, page 11
Chapter II- Demographics- Need the new census data
Chapter III – Housing - Waiting on new census data as well as the new Community Survey for Housing Data, the group concluded more Air BNB’s in the area should be noted. Tax Dept will provide new census data for affordability section. Elderly housing needs updating if anyone from Pittsfield resides at Park House, Sarah will call. Kimberly will rearrange some of the goals, policies and recommendations in this section. Discussion ensued regarding some of the goals listed, will revisit.
Chapter IV - Education and Child Care Services- census data on local school attendance will be published in town report at the end of January for the updates needed for this section. Discussed adding OSHA Lifelong Learning and UVM Extension for post-secondary education in Adult Learning section. Under Policies, changed “provide access” to “encourage”.
Chapter V - Utilities and Facilities- Town Garage section and Town Hall updates will be updated from the Town Report due out at the end of the month. Parks and Public Lands will be updated to reflect Velomont project and other biking trails. Communication Facilities will be updated to reflect current options for residents of Pittsfield, Municipal Solid Waste may be changing, need to wait to update until after Town meeting.
Chapter VI – Health and Emergency Services – Tim will update Fire Dept section. Police protection services will be updated to reflect Pittsfield’s decision to end contracts with Rutland County Sheriff’s Dept. Hazard Mitigation Plan was updated last fall and will be reflected in this section.
 
New Forestry Grant funding for this new section of the plan needs to be expended by May.  Kimberly suggested we hold the required public forum on this at our April meeting.  Members were concerned that holding a forum without sufficient background information would not be beneficial.  Kimberly suggested we communicate through email in February and if we felt we needed to discuss further we will hold another meeting prior to the forum. The Town does have the option to change corridors in this section. All agreed to proceed on these terms.
 
Micheline asked about other forums for Town Plan. Kimberly said the Planning Commission will hold one when we have a finalized draft and then the Select Board will need to hold an additional public forum before it the plan is approved.

1. Next meeting April 13, 2021

 

1. Adjournment

Meeting adjourned 8pm, motion by Tim, seconded by Marsha, all in favor
 
 
Respectively Submitted,
Marsha Hopkins
Secretary
 
 
The Minutes of January 12, 2021 were duly APPROVED on March 16, 2021
 
By Jen Howard and Tim Carter.

Minutes of the Pittsfield Planning CommissionTuesday, October 13, 2020, 6:30 p.m. via freeconferencecall.com

Present:  Sarah Gallagher, Micheline Bissell, Jen Howard, Tim Carter, A.J. Ruben (Zoning Administrator), Kimberly Gilbert (TRORC)

1. Call to Order:  Sarah called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
2. Agenda Modifications:  A.J. to report briefly on process with owners of property of Route 100 south of town (across from Fellows Rd).  A.J. reported the owners are seeking to subdivide the property into 3 lots.  It was determined that they are not in the flood zone or river corridor.  They will need an Act 250 permit from the State in order to proceed.  A.J. will forward information to the Town Clerk and TRORC.
3. Approval of Minutes from September 1, 2020, meeting. Tim motioned to approve, seconded by Micheline, all in favor.
4. Public Present: Kimberly Gilbert, TRORC
5. Grant applications for generator: Sarah confirmed with Tory Littlefield (TRORC) that there is not enough time to meet the 11/6/20 deadline for the HMGP, but we will proceed with the BRIC application due on January 6.  
6. Town Plan update, next steps.  Kim Gilbert (TRORC) outlined the process and we agreed on a plan going forward.  The grant application has been submitted, though it is doubtful it will be approved.  However, there are other funds available through TRORC and the cost to the Town will be minimal.  We are budgeting $500 in 2021 and will plan on the same in 2022, unless something changes.  One of the new requirements for the Plan is a ‘Forest blocks & habitat connector’ section.  This will require a public hearing to seek input and it was suggested that we do this once we have drafted the section. We will strengthen the Land Use chapter for Act 250 purposes, mainly by using stronger language throughout, i.e. using ‘must’ and ‘shall’ instead of could or should.  We will add a budgeting section, to include capital budget priorities.  Optional elements include an enhanced energy chapter and a public health element. Kim will provide some explanation and templates for review. For our January meeting, members are asked to read and make notes on the first six chapters of the 2015 plan.  Kim will do the background data updates (tables, charts, etc) but we will need to review and provide local information.  Note that Chapter 5 is the Health and Emergency Services where the Public Health element may be added (it can also be a stand-alone chapter).
7. Next meeting: January 12, 2020, 6:30 p.m.
8. Adjournment:  Motion to adjourn was made at 7:17 p.m. by Jen, seconded by Tim.  All in favor.

Compiled from notes by Jen, Micheline, and Kim.  Submitted by Sarah Gallagher.
​
Approved:  January 12, 2021                                        By:  s/Sarah Gallagher

​Town of Pittsfield, Vermont
Planning Commission
Minutes of September 1, 2020

MEMBERS PRESENT: Sarah Gallagher, Marsha Hopkins and Micheline Bissell

1. Sarah called the meeting to order at 6:45 pm. The meeting was conducted via conference call due to COVID 19.

2. Agenda Modifications: None.

3. The minutes from the July 14, 2020 meeting were read. Marsha made a motion to accept, seconded by Sarah, all in favor.

4. Public Present:  Tory Littlefield, TRORC

5. Review and Approve Municipal Planning Grant
Tory explained that we had to tell a story to justify the need for the Grant. She disussed what was included in the draft. She asked Commission members if they had anything else to add.
     • Marsha wanted her to emphasize the need for a bullet proof town plan since Pittsfield does not have zoning. In addition, she wanted emphasized the new commission members' status and that only a few had ever participated in a revision before.
     • Sarah wanted something added regarding the Green Mountain Trails and recreation in Pittsfield as well adding the need for affordable housing in the Village Center.
     • Tory agreed to add those items.
     • The Commission discussed the budget and felt it would be sufficient, not wanting to ask for too much and risking rejection.
     • The commission discussed approving the draft application and then working on revisions over email to shore it up.
     • Sarah made a motion to Approve the draft Municipal Planning Grant application, seconded by Marsha, all in favor.
     • Sarah asked about the time line for approval and Tory said it would be somewhere in the October-November time frame.

6. Next Meeting:  October 13, 2020 at 6:30pm.

7. Adjournment:  Meeting adjourned at 7:15pm

Submitted by:  Marsha Hopkins

Approved:  October 13, 2020                 By: s/Sarah Gallagher, Chair