Town of Newton

The meeting included discussions and updates on several key topics. It was noted that Newton Town Code Books are being recodified into a digital format hosted online. The commission also held a work session to discuss town ordinances related to animals, with the aim of creating a centralized ordinance for all animal-related matters.

The meeting included discussions and approval of the preliminary subdivision application form. A work session was held to review and discuss various animal ordinances within the town code, including definitions, control of animal facilities, nuisance concerns, abatement procedures, animal control, cruelty to animals, animals at large, disposition of dead animals, offensive animals, trespassing animals, unenclosed premises, driving animals on streets, definitions for agriculture enclosures, and animal confinement setbacks.

The meeting addressed a new dog kennel license application, reviewed a subdivision application, and discussed revisions to the preliminary subdivision application form. The committee also held a work session on the proposed animal ordinance, discussing the town council's thoughts on a point system and conditional use permits. The council would like to centralize all animal related things and place them into the animal ordinance.

The meeting addressed a new subdivision form review, discussing requirements for the applicant such as water share proof, water connection feasibility, sewer requirements, a school bus review, and electrical considerations. There was also a follow-up discussion on a subdivision, deciding to have the applicant fill out the new Subdivision form for review by the Land Use Authority Committee. The committee also discussed changes to the Subdivision Zoning Clearance Letter template, including adding the town name and setting a 30-business-day timeframe, along with consulting on a filing fee cost.

The meeting involved electing a new chair, reviewing Gaylen Maughan's subdivision application (awaiting responses from the Town Engineer and Jed Woodward regarding water lines), reviewing the subdivision code and zoning clearance letter process with the Hansen Planning Group, reviewing subdivision preliminary application forms, discussing the animal ordinance with Brett Peterson (including potential adjustments and the creation of an Animal Ordinance Advisory Board), and setting the agenda for the next meeting.