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Any and all corrections to the following minutes will be made at the
06/05/03 Board of Selectmen’s Meeting and are considered unapproved
until then. Corrections will be noted in the minutes of that meeting.
MINUTES -
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MAY 22nd, 2003
NEWFANE TOWN OFFICE
PRESENT:
Selectmen: Piet van Loon, Priscilla Cotton, Gary Katz and Chris Williams
Absent: Gorty Baldwin
Also Present: Planning Commission - John Feifel, James Borta, Gunther
Garbe and Carolyn Katz.
ZBA - Sarah Taylor and David Clarkson
Others - Doris Knechtel, Administrative Assistant.
1. CALL TO
ORDER
The Special Meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. Chairman Piet van
Loon.
2. DISCUSSION OF DEVELOPMENT REVIEW PROCESS
The purpose of the combined meeting of the Board, Planning Commission
and the Zoning Board of Adjustment was to discuss the possibility of creating
a Development Review Board in Newfane. Those present have been given information
from various sources, WRC, VLCT, and Paul Gillies, Esq., which explain
the Development Review Process.
A Development Review Board is created by resolution of the Selectboard.
The DRB replaces the Zoning Board of Adjustment duties of hearing appeals,
variance and conditional uses as well as assuming the function of the
Planning Commission of site plan and subdivision review. A DRB consists
of between five and nine members, appointed by the Selectboard, with terms
of office established by the legislative body. DRB members may consist
of members from the Planning Commission. Alternate members may be appointed.
The DRB elects their officers and adopts rules of procedure.
Those present discussed the possible advantages and disadvantages of having
a Development Review Board. Advantages: It would consolidate the review
process for the applicant by being able to go to one Board. It would allow
the Planning Commission to concentrate on planning, the writing of the
Town Plan and Zoning Bylaws, instead of conducting site plan reviews.
It would allow for use of alternate members for site plan reviews where
conflicts or absences may arise. Disadvantages: The Planning Commission
would not be directly involved in the process, may lack personal experience
with application of the bylaws and planning. They do not see the results
of their planning. It was anticipated by those present that the DRB would
have about 15+ meetings a year compared to their seven or eight currently.
There would be a higher commitment on the part of the DRB members. It
was noted that currently, it is sometimes a problem to get a quorum of
the seven ZBA members at a meeting. A few towns within the state have
adopted the DRB concept. Within Windham County, Dover and Brattleboro
have Development Review Board. It was suggested that those communities
be contacted about how the process is working for them.
The Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Adjustment were asked
to discuss the idea at their individual meeting and get back to the Selectboard
by the end of June as to whether or not they feel that creating a DRB
would be beneficial to Newfane.
3. OTHER BUSINESS
A. Subdivision Regulations - Suggestion was made that the town may want
to look into having subdivision regulations prepared and adopted. Currently,
a lot may be subdivided allowing to a minimum lot size of 2 acres. Subdivision
regulations would allow for better planning of development access onto
town roads. There could be one access for several lots rather than an
access for each new lot. With the change in the septic system requirements,
it could open up the possibility of more land being developed. Tax implication
for additional housing for school age children and education costs could
be looked into with subdivision regulations.
The members of the Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Adjustment
were thanked for their attendance at this special meeting.
B. Marlboro Morris Dancers - The Marlboro Morris Dancers would like to
be able to close a portion of West Street (TH#1) and Church Street (TH#55)
for the purpose of having the Morris Dancers perform in the street on
Sunday, May 25 between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Court Street (TH#1) will
be open to traffic. Motion was made by P. Cotton and seconded C. Williams
to close West Street (TH#1) and Church Street (TH#55) on Sunday, May 25th
from 4:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Unanimous.
4. ADJOURNMENT
The Special Meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
Doris A. Knechtel
Administrative Assistant
Newfane Board of Selectmen
Posted: Newfane
Town Office, Newfane Store, Williamsville General Store, Williamsville
Hall and South Newfane General Store & Deli.
www.newfanevt.com
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