Kent Johnson

This strategic planning document outlines the core values and long-term goals for the town of Essex. It is built upon five foundational values: Accountability, Cohesiveness and Connectivity, Fiscal Responsibility and Sustainability, Inclusivity and Safety, and Thoughtful Growth. The plan's objectives include ensuring fully funded capital needs, improving community engagement and event participation, maintaining updated policies and accessible information, enhancing multimodal transportation, advancing the municipal complex project, diversifying revenue sources, addressing community safety and well-being, supporting public safety, and strategically addressing recreation and housing needs.

The meeting included discussions on a consent agenda, during which two items related to a boundary adjustment and a simple parcel were pulled for reevaluation at a later date. There was also a discussion regarding a lighting plan, with confirmation that the proposed fixtures are shielded. The Conservation Trails committee members suggested considering pervious pavement options for parking lots. The Planning Commission approved the consent agenda item and the minutes from January 26th.

The committee discussed filling two vacant positions, with potential candidates from Pinewood expressing interest. The legislative agenda included plans to invite legislators to a future meeting to discuss renewable energy legislation. The committee also discussed the Champlain Valley Fair event and decided to postpone further discussion until January. Will agreed to prepare the annual report, building off the presentation given to the select board. The status of the Town Plan work was reviewed, noting a change in wording regarding the energy coordinator role. The committee also touched on the enhanced Town energy plan, the status of the energy coordinator position, and the Green Lantern Outreach and solar sighting project.

The committee discussed the September 20th event, with mixed opinions on its success and attendance. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing a handbook, with discussions focusing on remote voting procedures, work plans, and budget considerations. There was also a discussion about the differences between boards, commissions, and committees within Essex Town.

The meeting included discussions and decisions regarding a site plan application for Scanel Properties, specifically concerning a proposed distribution facility. Key topics included the election of officers, a review of a traffic study, storm water management system design, and landscaping measures. The board also addressed a request for a waiver regarding the 50-foot buffer along the roadway and heard concerns about plant species selection. Additionally, there was a discussion about traffic volume data and its impact on the proposed development.