Faith Tempest

The board meeting agenda includes reports from the Highway and Transfer Station, Town Treasurer, Listers, and the Planning Commission. New business items involve the review of a liquor license, the designation of a voting delegate for the VLCT special meeting, addressing a vacancy on the Board of Adjustment, contract renewal for the Rutland County Sheriff's Department, and fire protection planning for town facilities. Old business covers the annual update and approval of the Local Emergency Management Plan, a dog license update, and planning for the town's 250th anniversary events. Additionally, the board will review and sign orders and may enter an executive session to discuss highway department personnel salaries.

The commission discussed participation in the Urban and Community Forest annual meeting, focusing on concerns such as Beech Leaf Disease and ash borer presence. Plans were established for upcoming Star Lake cleanup days. The commission addressed potential policy priorities for discussions with state officials regarding wetlands classification and permit requirements. Other topics included the possibility of a town forest, management of invasive plant species like Japanese Barberry and poison parsnip, mapping initiatives for chervil, the preparation of materials for the town newsletter, and an upcoming informational event hosted by the Agency of Natural Resources regarding land management rules.

The meeting included reports on administrative officer activities such as building permits and wetlands designations, updates on website changes, and reports on the Belmont Village Wastewater Planning Subcommittee. Development reviews were conducted for plat changes, land divisions, and a subdivision sketch plan. The commission discussed the implementation of a permit tracking ordinance, analyzed the potential impacts of Act 181, and reviewed proposed revisions to subdivision regulations, specifically addressing written findings, sketch plan review processes, amendment procedures, and housing encouragement policies.

The Planning Commission discussed various administrative reports, including guidance on plat copies and upcoming training. Development reviews were conducted for the Gregory Kelley Final Plat and the status of the McDonald/Huyler/Carney land division. The Commission welcomed a new member, confirmed the town's Conflict of Interest policy, and reviewed the Housing Needs Assessment action plan. Additionally, the Commission initiated the establishment of a Belmont Village Wastewater Planning Committee to explore housing development infrastructure, and discussed the ongoing process for revising subdivision regulations.

The meeting was held to interview candidates for the position of Town Treasurer. Two candidates, Marc Miller and Amy Tayler, were interviewed regarding their relevant professional experiences, including banking, bookkeeping, and budgeting. The board also held an executive session to discuss personnel matters.