MINUTES

PLAN COMMISSION MEETING

SEPTEMBER 27, 2004 - 7:30 P.M. - 4017 HWY JJ

The meeting was called to order by the Chair, Bill Hanson, at 7:30 p.m. The Secretary certified the notice had been posted at the Black Earth State Bank, Amcore Bank in Mt. Horeb, on the town web site and on the front door of the town hall; also published in the News Sickle Arrow and the Mt. Horeb Mail newspapers.

Members present: Bill Hanson, Marc Robertson, Barbara Grenlie, Marian Swoboda, Jim Elleson, David Stanfield, Donald McKay

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion was made by Donald McKay seconded by Jim Elleson and carried to approve the August 30, 2004 meeting minutes. Marc Robertson abstained due to his absence from the meeting.

CITIZEN INPUT

Barbara Borns, President of the Black Earth Creek Watershed Association, extended an invitation to the commission to attend the association's annual meeting on October 16 featuring a bus tour of the watershed.

COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION ON A STANDARD HOME SITE ENVELOPE SIZE

After discussing what the appropriate size of the home site envelope might be,

Motion was made by David Stanfield seconded by Bill Hanson and carried to recommend to the board that the home site location required by the land use intent form be located within a 100' x 150' envelope but that a larger size would be acceptable if it did not conflict with the land use plan or the town ordinances.

"SMART GROWTH' COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING

The remaining part of the meeting was spent discussion the process of developing a comprehensive plan. While nothing definite was decided upon several ideas were suggested. Neil Stechschulte, a Planner with MSA Professional Services, was in attendance to help guide the discussion, make suggestions and to answer questions. A discussion paper on public participation and review drafted by the commission secretary was distributed. Prioritizing activities, appointing and training focus group leaders, developing a survey questionnaire, timing and topics of public meetings, reviewing the land use plan were discussed. Different ways of communicating with the public were mentioned; on the town web site, special mailings, in Vermont Voice. Meeting with former plan commissioners particularly on the land use plan was suggested. The role of the plan commission and outside consultants would be determined by available funding. While the legislation describes the elements that must be considered, it does not speak to the process of developing the plan other than to require a plan for public involvement and review.

At the end of the meeting the commission decided to first review and discuss the goals and objectives of the 1997 Land Use Plan at the October meeting along with giving attention to the development of a plan for public involvement and review.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion was made by Jim Elleson seconded by David Stanfield and carried to adjourn the meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Marian Swoboda, Commission Secretary