Town of Norwich

Key discussions included providing comments on the Vermont Wildlife Action Plan, with one member tasked to submit formal comments. Updates regarding FEMA/USGS flood hazard maps were postponed. Attendance at the Regional Conservation Commission meeting in Thetford was confirmed. Planning for vernal pool walks with UVLT in the spring was discussed, setting April 11 and 18 as potential dates. The Commission agreed to be a co-sponsor for the Hanover Garden Club's Earth Day film event up to $200, assisting with advertising. The group decided to approach the Town Manager regarding salt reduction strategies for conservation and budget goals, and a plan to install a spotted lanternfly display at the Post Office was established. Exploration of a small grant opportunity for wood chip mulching was assigned to a commissioner. The January draft minutes were amended as suggested by the EAB subcommittee.

This document provides a comparative review of the Town of Norwich's municipal budget and service levels against a set of peer Vermont towns. It analyzes key areas such as general municipal budgets, warrant articles, police services, solid waste disposal, and administration, aiming to offer context for current and future budget considerations and inform decision-making by the Selectboard.

This plan outlines the objectives, policies, and actions for guiding future land use and development for the Town of Norwich. It focuses on several key areas including Land Use, Energy, Housing, Economic Development, Transportation, Facilities and Services, and Resilience. The plan aims to foster thoughtful stewardship of cultural and natural resources, respond to the climate crisis, and promote housing development appropriate to community needs, remaining in effect for eight years from its adoption.

The meeting addressed a funding request from Twin Pines Housing Trust and Starlake Village for critical capital repairs to the Village Community's aging water and septic infrastructure. Discussion centered on whether the request for a grant versus a loan met the criteria of the Norwich Affordable Housing Revolving Fund and the potential need for policy adjustments. Members generally agreed the request had merit for consideration. Additionally, updates were provided regarding the timeline for the Municipal Planning Grant related to the '2026 Norwich Village Master Plan' and the status of the Tier 1B and Future Land Use Maps in relation to the Act 250 exemption.

The agenda for the upcoming meeting includes approving the agenda itself, public comment, and reviewing minutes from previous meetings (November and January). Key updates involve the Municipal Planning Grant concerning the '2026 Norwich Village Master Plan' and discussions regarding Tier 1B and Future Land Use Maps. A significant item involves the review of an application by Twin Pines Housing Trust for the Norwich Revolving Fund, potentially leading to a recommendation to the Planning Commission, followed by a discussion on next steps regarding zoning.