Harvey Blake

The meeting included a presentation from Friends of the Mad River covering organizational goals, flood resilience, and infrastructure projects. The board discussed and authorized the signing of the Harwood School District Memorandum of Understanding, reviewed a template for the Town Hall rental agreement, and considered heat pump and solar array installation bids for the new town garage. Other business addressed short-term rental compliance, town policy updates, staff resignations, committee appointments, property maintenance, and storage solutions for historical town documents. The board also authorized payroll and accounts payable warrants, alongside various liquor and tobacco license renewals and a contract with the Sheriff's department.

The agenda includes a presentation from the Friends of the Mad River, approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Harwood Unified Union School District, and approval of a town hall rental agreement. Additionally, the Board will review town garage bids, discuss short-term rental updates, review accounts payable processes, and receive a town administrator update covering office reorganization, property management, grant projects, and upcoming community events.

The meeting featured a presentation on the MRVPD 2025 Annual Data Report, which covers population, housing, economic, and environmental trends, as well as an overview of the biannual Wellbeing Survey. The commission reviewed a report on Short Term Rentals and discussed the potential for a collective, Valley-wide approach. Significant focus was placed on developing site development conditions for the Town Garage, including habitat housing requirements, housing prioritization for local workers or families within the school district, and the need for a PUD design and feasibility study. Additionally, the commission discussed upcoming presentations, grant requirements for a local event, recent transportation advisory committee updates, and interest from community members in joining the Planning Commission.

The board reviewed and discussed a preliminary/final application for a 4-lot subdivision. The discussion covered site planning, including road configuration, building envelopes, common land conservation, parking requirements, and utility infrastructure. The board evaluated compliance with the Town Plan and various subdivision and PUD regulations, including stormwater permits, wastewater supply, and fire safety access. Motions were passed to classify the project as a major subdivision, to find it in conformance with the town standards subject to specific conditions, and to grant final approval.

The commission discussed the potential development of housing at the former Town Garage site, exploring strategies such as feasibility studies, the formation of a task force, and the possibility of creating a Planned Unit Development (PUD). The conversation included the benefits of various housing types, including duplexes and triplexes, and the need for public outreach. Additionally, members reported on a small developer workshop that provided insights into small-scale development, infrastructure funding possibilities, and zoning considerations. The board also coordinated messaging for an upcoming presentation to the Selectboard regarding the site development.