Doris Austin

Key discussions during the meeting involved reviewing updates to the Dog Ordinance, with the CEO tasked to provide a draft ordinance incorporating stronger enforcement mechanisms, including a logbook process similar to Wilton's. The board decided to postpone updates to the Tiny Home Ordinance until a comprehensive update to the Development Standards Ordinance can be completed to accommodate new State building laws, aiming to secure grant funds for expenses during this period. Furthermore, the CEO is drafting a Moratorium concerning Medical Cannabis Retail Stores for a forthcoming Town Vote. In updates, the board agreed to adjust the official start time of future Planning Board meetings from 6:30 pm to 6:00 pm.

The proceedings included a Public Hearing covering the Chuck Wagon Liquor License Renewal and the Annual Town Meeting Warrant and Budget. Key agenda items for the Select Board Meeting included discussions on the Chuck Wagon Liquor License Renewal, the issuance of RFPs for Engineering Services and Legal Services, the approval of the Town Meeting Warrant, a review by the Ordinance Review Committee, and an Economic Development Presentation. Financial actions involved the approval of various Payroll Warrants and General Fund Warrants, as well as the processing of Abatements, Quit Claim Deeds, and Supplements.

The meeting commenced with the election of the board chair, Ernie Souther, and the vice chair, Patry Henges. Key discussion centered on the marijuana license denial issued by the select board for Sugar Kush, specifically concerning grow and store facilities. The board requested and reviewed copies of the select board meeting minutes for context. Following discussion and clarifying questions regarding the denial timeline, the Board of Appeals voted to overturn the select board's denial and grant both licenses to Sugar Kush.

The Planning Board meeting included discussion on updating the 2024 EMA Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan for the Town, including widening a bridge on Strickland loop, grading Moose Hill Road, and installing back-up generators at Red Water Brook, Shuy Corner and Poland Brook Sewer Pump Stations, as well as the Library, Fire Station and Public Works Dept. The board discussed ordinances that will need review and revision for proposed LD 2003 by July 2025, including addressing, building lot standards, minimum lot size, mobile home park, shoreland, and subdivision ordinances. The potential growth area are the three vacant schools. The status of the Comprehensive Plan was reviewed.

The meeting included a presentation and discussion by Erica Bufkins, AVCOG Community & Transportation Planner, regarding LD 2003. The board reviewed ordinances that should be updated and completed by July 1, 2024, for LD 2003, including the Building Lot Standards Ordinance, Minimum Lot Size Ordinance, Mobile Home Park Ordinance, and Subdivision Ordinance. A work session was proposed to review these ordinances, with changes to be included in the Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan Committee will meet to review the ordinances to determine what revisions are needed.