TOWN OF ARLINGTON
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of Meeting – Thursday February 28, 2019
Members Present–John Williams, Chris Heins, Charles Moore, Garret Siegel, Jessica Roberts P/T, Michael Murno, and Bill Henry (Land Administrator).
Others Present: Catherine Bryars P/T
- PROCEEDINGS:
- The meeting was called to order at 6:56 pm by John Williams.
- The meeting minutes of January 24 were accepted as revised and approved.
- John requested an update for the Energy Section of the Town Plan from Charles and Garret (C&G). C&G reported that the plan was moving along as anticipated. Preferred sites for solar and wind energy are being identified. As an example, Catherine Bryars stated that Sunderland identified all commercial properties in the Town as eligible but added that this approach was unique. Catherine said that the State thinks that Arlington can produce 4 MW based on their initial assessment of favorable sites. However, what makes sense in terms of solar power and wind tower locations will be a deciding factor. C&G stated that a draft of the identified sites will be available at the end of April.
We should begin thinking about vehicles of making the energy audits available to the community. Regarding the identification of initially selected sites, it was suggested that the most beneficial approach to introduce the townspeople to the process would be to conduct working sessions with them to bring them onboard with the plan and the approach.
Other discussions regarding the Town Plan included whether we are up-to-date compared with other towns. It was noted that there is still work to be done such as cleaning up the language for the whole document, including references, statutory requirements updates, and the energy plan with references throughout the document.
- Regarding the new By-Law, it was noted that a Municipal Planning Grant is necessary for a complete revision. Catherine stated that BCRC would write the grant request.
- Bill Henry suggested the following Bylaw changes to Section 7.7.1 and the definition of a Manufactured Home in the 2013 Bylaw.
In Section 7.7.1, Change the first sentence to read: A manufactured home may be used as a one-family dwelling provided that it is located on a lot meeting all the requirements of this Bylaw applicable to a one-family dwelling in the district in which it is located and is suitably anchored.
In the definition of a Manufactured Home, change the first sentence to: “Means a dwelling unit, transportable in one or more sections, which is built by a certified manufacturing plant on a permanent chassis, is at least 320 square feet floor area and is designed for use with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required facilities.”
A motion to accept these modifications was made by Charles Moore, seconded by John Williams. Motion
carried.
- December 10, 2018 email were reviewed. A motion was made by Chris Heins to append the changes to these minutes to show what was adopted; seconded by John Williams. Motion carried.
SECTION 1. The quote should read “Any municipality that has adopted and has in effect a plan and has created a planning commission under this chapter may implement the plan by adopting, amending, and enforcing any or all of the regulatory and nonregulatory tools provided for in this chapter. All such regulatory and nonregulatory tools shall be in conformance with the plan, shall be adopted for the purposes set forth in Section 4302 of this title, and shall be in accord with the policies set forth therein.”
4.2.1 add in the last line: “Zoning” before “Board of Adjustment”.
5.1.a. Change the first sentence to read “ No structure, or part thereof, shall be created, erected, changed, converted, or wholly or partly altered or enlarged in its use or structure, nor shall any land or structure be used… Add in line 4 after Bylaw “and shown on the zoning maps available in the Land Use Administrator’s office.” Remove in line 6 the comma after “buildings”.
5.1 c Change to: “New Outdoor Hydronic Heaters (formerly Outdoor Wood Boilers) shall meet the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation effective May 15, 2015 which includes required certification by the EPA and minimum setback requirements, generally 100 feet, from nearest residences, schools and healthcare facilities.”
5.2.4 Remove “effective” and insert “original adoption” before “date”.
6.1 RURAL should be indicated by the letters “R or RR”….
FOREST AND RECREATION should be indicated by the letters “F or FR”…..
PLANNED INDUSTRIAL should be indicated by the letters “PI or PID”….
6.2.d Change to “Accessory structures and uses incidental and subordinate to a principal structure or use.”
6.2.2.n, 6.3.2.s, 6.4.2.p, 6.5.2.o, 6.6.2.p, 6.7.2.g, change to: “Outdoor Hydronic Heaters (See Section 5.1.c)”
8.3.1 Change to: “No structure, or part thereof, shall be created, erected, changed, converted, or wholly or partly altered or enlarged in its use or structure, nor shall any land or structure be devoted to a new or changed use, without a permit issued by the Land Use Administrator. No permit may be issued by the Land Use Administrator except in conformance with the Bylaws.”
8.3.2 Add in the last sentence “substantially” before “commenced”.
- The 2013 Bylaw changes suggested by Bill Henry in the October 25, 2018 meeting minutes were discussed again in this meeting. The following new definitions were adopted in this meeting.
Right-of-Way – The legal right, established by usage or grant, to pass through the grounds or property belonging to another.
Storage Container – A structure generally of metal construction and rectangular in shape, which may or may not have wheels or a roof and which is typically used for storage and/or transport of goods and waste materials. Storage Containers shall not to be used for habitation. Storage containers are conditional use except for temporary storage or waste removal purposes, not to exceed 6 months.
Land Use Administrator’s Report
We forgot to hear the Administrator’s report.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 pm. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 28, 2019 at 7:00 pm.
Respectfully Submitted by: Michael Murno