City of Newport
Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes

 

NEWPORT CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES*AUGUST 16, 2011

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: Charles Elliott, Clark Curtis, Ruth Sproull, Gerry Coulombe, Rosemary Rowe.

 

OTHERS PRESENT: ZA, Paul Dreher, Cindy Henning.

 

7:10p.m. Chairman Charles Elliott called the meeting to order.  Gerry Coulombe made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 2, 2011 meeting.  This was seconded by Rosemary Rowe.  Clark Curtis abstained.  APPROVED BY A MAJORITY

 

7:20p.m. FINALIZE CLG HISTORIC COMMISSION BYLAW:  ZA, Paul Dreher will make the following changes to the bylaw and will email these changes to the members at least 48 hours prior to the next meeting.

 

At the very beginning of the bylaw a sentence will be added referencing the State Statue 44.33 pertaining to Advisory Commissions and Committees.

 

The number of years that the initial appointment shall be staggered will be changed from two to three in section 1.B

 

In section 3.E outline will be changed to outlined.

 

In section 3.A Paul will verify that terms of the Vermont Open Meeting Law are found in 1 VSA Chapter 5, Subchapter 3.

 

In section 3.B the number of meetings will be changed to once every three months.

 

In section 4. A.1, Paul will review Vermont Historic Sites and Structures Survey and the Vermont Archaeological Inventory.

 

In section 4.A.2 Paul will provide the commission with a copy of the bylaws for the National Historic Preservation Act.

 

8:15:p.m. REVIEW DRAFT OF HISTORIC COMMISSION RULES OF PROCEDURE:

 

Paul will make the following changes to the Rules of Procedure.

 

1.1  Correct the spelling for Planning and insert Historic Preservation on the second line prior to provision on the second line.

 

2.1 Correct spelling of Historic.

 

2.2 At the end of the first line change together to “to order”.

 

Article Vl, Act 250 Hearing change all entries of PC to HPC.

 

8:25p.m. UPDATE ON DISTRICT HEAT FACILITY: A discussion ensued on the subject of a wood fired district heat plant for the City of Newport.

 

8:45p.m. REVIEW ZONING MAP CHANGES:  ZA Paul Dreher will present the commission with the proposed changes at the next meeting.

 

8:50p.m. OTHER BUSINESS:  The next meeting is scheduled for September 6, 2011.

 

8:55p.m. Rosemary Rowe made a motion to adjourn.  This was seconded by Ruth Sproull. APPROVED BY A UNANIMOUS DECISION.

 

Minutes taken, transcribed and submitted by Rosemary Rowe.

 



NEWPORT CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES * AUGUST 2, 2011

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: Charles Elliott, Ruth Sproull, Rosemary Rowe

 

MEMBERS ABSENT: Clark Curtis, Gerry Coulombe

 

OTHERS PRESENT: ZA, Paul Dreher, Jennifer Black, NEKCA

 

7:25p.m. Chairman Charles Elliott called the meeting to order.  Ruth Sproull made a motion to approve the minutes as written of the July 29, 2011 meeting.  This was seconded by Rosemary Rowe.  APPROVED BY A UNANIMOUS DECISION.

 

7:35p.m. FINALIZE CLG HISTORIC COMMISSION BYLAW:  A motion was made by Rosemary Rowe to table this topic until the next meeting and the motion was seconded by Ruth Sproull.  APPROVED BY A UNANIMOUS DECISION.

 

7:40p.m. REVIEW DRAFT OF HISTORIC COMMISSION RULES OF PROCEDURE:  A motion was made by Ruth Sproull to table this topic until the next meeting. This was seconded by Rosemary Rowe. APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS DECISION.

 

7:45p.m. OTHER BUSINESS: Jennifer Black from NEKCA gave an overview of a grant being offered by The Department of Health in the amount of $10,000.00.  This grant applies to Building Healthy Communities and includes the following initiatives: 

 

Create Healthy Municipal Plans and Policies

Evaluate Development Decisions

Support Active Living

Increase Places for Physical Activity

Support Access to Healthy Local Food

 

Ruth Sproull made a motion to support this Grant Application.  This was seconded by Rosemary Rowe.  APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS DECISION.

 

8:15p.m. A lengthy discussion ensued on the subject of District Heat for the City of Newport. No action was taken.

 

The next meeting to be determined at a later date.

 

8:45p.m. Rosemary Rowe made a motion to adjourn.  This was seconded by Ruth Sproull.  APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS DECISION.

 

Minutes taken, transcribed and submitted Rosemary Rowe.

 



NEWPORT CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES **JULY 19, 2011

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: Charles Elliott, Clark Curtis, Gerry Coulombe, Ruth Sproull.

 

MEMBERS ABSENT: Rosemary Rowe.

 

OTHERS PRESENT: ZA, Paul Dreher.

 

7:10p.m. Chairman Charles Elliott called the meeting to order. Clark Curtis made a motion to approve the minutes as written of the June 7th, 2011 meeting; this was seconded by Gerry Coulombe. THE MOTION WAS APPROVED WITH RUTH SPROULL ABSTAINING.

 

7: 15p.m. REVIEW OF CLG BYLAW CHANGES: Much discussion about the Historic Preservation Commission Bylaw occurred. Minor changes will be done for the next meeting by Paul Dreher and it is anticipated that this will be the final draft. Paul Dreher will also be working on the Conflict of Interest Policy for the H. P. C. it is also expected that this will be a final draft. The Rules of Procedure for the H. P. C. will be created once the City Council approves the new H. P. C. Bylaw.

 

8:10p.m. BYLAW CHANGES: No action was taken regarding this matter.

 

8:15P.M. OTHER BUSINESS: A request was submitted to the Planning Commission seeking our support pertaining to a walkable and livable Communities Institute Active Living Workshop. The support would allow for the Newport City Renaissance Corporation to do the necessary outreach work with partners in health and human services, aging, economic development, community development and City government. A support letter was created and presented by Paul Dreher for our review. Ruth Sproull made a motion to have Chairman Charles Elliott sign the letter that the Planning Commission is in support of the workshop; this was seconded by Gerry Coulombe. THE MOTION WAS APPROVED BY A UNANIMOUS DECISION.

 

Paul Dreher presented information pertaining to the Orton Family Foundation regarding a grant. The Newport City Renaissance Corporation is applying for a Heart and Soul Grant. He requested that the Planning Commission sign the support letter that he created and presented for this proposal. The grant would allow for the N.C.R.C. to continue leading a robust coalition of Newport City community members who are committed to planning for a future that preserves and enhances Newport’s “Heart and Soul” a place where people and customs make us unique. Ruth Sproull made a motion to have Chairman Charles Elliott sign the letter that the Planning Commission is in support of the proposal; this was seconded by Gerry Coulombe. THE MOTION WAS APPROVED BY A UNANIMOUS DECION.

 

Some discussion occurred regarding the Newport Community Garden regarding its successes such as yield from the garden and the positive impact that it has had on the street where it is located, the area and community.

 

The next meeting is to be determined at a later date; Paul Dreher will email us when he has a determination.

 

8:55p.m. Clark Curtis made a motion to adjourn, this was seconded by Ruth Sproull. THE MOTION WAS APPROVED BY A UNANIMOUS DECISION.

 

The minutes were taken, transcribed and submitted by Clark Curtis

 

 



NEWPORT CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES *JUNE 7, 2011*

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: Charles Elliott, Clark Curtis, Gerry Coulombe, Rosemary Rowe.

 

MEMEBERS ABSENT: Ruth Sproull.

 

OTHERS PRESENT: ZA, Paul Dreher

 

7:20p.m. Chairman Charles Elliott called the meeting to order.  Gerry Coulombe made a motion to approve the minutes as written of the May 24, 2011 meeting; this was seconded by Clark Curtis.  The motion was approved with Rosemary Rowe abstaining.

 

7:25p.m. REVIEW OF CLG BYLAW CHANGES:  This review was tabled until the next meeting.  Clark Curtis noted that the authority for the Planning Commission to serve as the commission for the Historic Preservation is granted under the Vermont Municipal and Regional Planning and Development Act.

 

7:30p.m. The Vermont Community Development Program is holding an application workshop on June 23, 2011.  The workshop will include instructions on how to apply and access VCDP funds.  Clark Curtis made a motion to recommend that Paul Dreher attend this workshop for the purpose of applying for a grant to finance a feasibility study for a District Heating System. This was seconded by Gerry Coulombe.  APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS DECISION.

 

8:00p.m. OTHER BUSINESS: Clark Curtis asked for an update on the progress in obtaining a street map from the City files regarding the road from Cumberland Farms up to the Ledges.  This is still a work in progress. A date for a joint meeting with the Derby Planning Commission has not been set. ZA, Paul Dreher will follow up on this meeting. There was nothing new to report on RUDAT’S return to Newport.

 

Clark Curtis noted that the City Council had granted BAART the authority to dispense drugs at the Union Street location.  Clark indicated that the Zoning Permit granted to BAART prohibits dispensing drugs at the Union Street address.

 

The next meeting will be held on July 5, 2011.

 

8:30p.m. Rosemary Rowe made a motion to adjourn; this was seconded by Gerry Coulombe.  APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS DECISION.

 

Minutes taken transcribed and submitted by Rosemary Rowe. 

 



NEWPORT CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES *MAY 24, 2011*

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: Charles Elliott, Clark Curtis, Gerry Coulombe, Ruth Sproull.

 

MEMBERS ABSENT: Rosemary Rowe.

 

OTHERS PRESENT: ZA Paul Dreher, Jay Ancel / Black River Design, Chris Roy / Newport Daily Express.

 

7:10 p.m. Chairman Charles Elliott called the meeting to order. Clark Curtis made a motion to approve the minutes as written of the May 3rd, 2011 meeting; this was seconded by Gerry Coulombe. APPROVED BY A UNANIMOUS DECISION.

 

DISTRICT HEAT DISCUSSION WITH JAY ANCEL FROM BLACK RIVER DESIGN:

Paul Dreher invited Mr. Ancel to the Commissions meeting to give an overview of what other communities and private institutions are doing regarding district heat. District heat is typically a large boiler that either burns wood chips, natural gas, and propane or even in some cases trash, these systems are either hot water or steam and can even produce electricity. The heating unit is usually located as close as possible to the buildings that are to be heated but it is not necessary.

 

An area of only an acre and a half would be required for the facility and it would take two employees to run it. The emissions from such a facility are minimal as cleaning devices and scrubbers are used to clean the gases before they enter the atmosphere. Montpelier is working on such a system now and has had a smaller scale version in use for some time. St. Johnsbury Academy is going to be putting in a system soon. There are federal grants for some of the costs in building a facility and private investors willing to invest.

 

The beginning process for the City would be to do a feasibility study, it is possible that the City could get a planning grant for this and Paul Dreher will look into it. It was the general consensus of the Commission that this was a good idea especially for the Downtown area. The City Plan may currently support such a facility but sometime in the near future the Commission will make an amendment to the City Plan with more specific wording to support district heat.

 

BYLAW CHANGES/ UPDATES:

The Commission went through the Historic Preservation Commission Bylaws and made changes. More work needs to be done on the Rules of Procedure and Conflict of Interest Policy, Paul Dreher will work on this. It is expected that at the next meeting we will have a final draft.

 

OTHER BUSINESS: Charles Elliott and Paul Dreher are still working on obtaining a street map from the City files regarding the road from Cumberland Farms up to the Ledges, this is work in progress. A date for a joint meeting with the Derby Planning Commission is still trying to be set and is in the hands of Paul Dreher. Paul Dreher reported that RUDAT will be coming back to Newport from June 21 to June 24 to review changes that have occurred since their last visit and make recommendations for future direction, Paul will update us with more information at our next meeting. Paul Dreher also reported that he has updated the Planning Commissions Minutes and Agendas for 2011. The next meeting of the Commission is on June 7th, 2011.

 

9:10 p.m.: Gerry Coulombe made a motion to adjourn; this was seconded by Ruth Sproull. APPROVED BY A UNANIMOUS DECISION.

 

The minutes were taken transcribed and submitted by Clark Curtis.

 


NEWPORT CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES* MAY 3, 2011

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: Charles Elliott, Clark Curtis, Ruth Sproull Gerry Coulombe, Rosemary Rowe

 

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

 

OTHERS PRESENT: ZA, Paul Dreher

 

7:25p.m. Chairman Charles Elliott called the meeting to order.  Clark Curtis made a motion to accept the amended minutes of the April 19, 2011 meeting.  This was seconded by Ruth Sproull.  APPROVED BY A UNANIMOUS DECISION.

 

7:30p.m. REVIEW BYLAW CHANGES/UPDATES: Chairman Charles Elliott indicated the Planning Commission needs to determine the “build to line” on East Main St. to satisfy form based code bylaws. ZA, Paul Dreher will obtain a street map from the Public Works and using this as a guide the map can be updated to include the build to line.  

 

8:15p.m. OTHER BUSINESS: The next meeting is scheduled for May 17, 2011.

 

8:20p.m. Rosemary Rowe made a motion to adjourn.  This was seconded by Ruth Sproull.  APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS DECISION.

 

Minutes taken, transcribed and submitted by Rosemary Rowe



NEWPORT CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES* MAY 3, 2011

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: Charles Elliott, Clark Curtis, Ruth Sproull Gerry Coulombe, Rosemary Rowe

 

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

 

OTHERS PRESENT: ZA, Paul Dreher

 

7:25p.m. Chairman Charles Elliott called the meeting to order.  Clark Curtis made a motion to accept the amended minutes of the April 19, 2011 meeting.  This was seconded by Ruth Sproull.  APPROVED BY A UNANIMOUS DECISION.

 

7:30p.m. REVIEW BYLAW CHANGES/UPDATES: Chairman Charles Elliott indicated the Planning Commission needs to determine the “build to line” for form based code. ZA, Paul Dreher will obtain a street map from the Public Works and using this as a guide the map can be updated to include the build to line.  

 

8:15p.m. OTHER BUSINESS: The next meeting is scheduled for May 17, 2011.

 

8:20p.m. Rosemary Rowe made a motion to adjourn.  This was seconded by Ruth Sproull.  APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS DECISION.

 

Minutes taken, transcribed and submitted by Rosemary Rowe



NEWPORT CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES * APRIL 19, 2011

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: Charles Elliott, Clark Curtis, Ruth Sproull, Rosemary Rowe

 

MEMBERS ABSENT: Gerry Coulombe

 

OTHERS PRESENT: ZA, Paul Dreher, Robert Kelly

 

7:15p.m. Chairman Charles Elliott called the meeting to order.  Clark Curtis made a motion to accept the minutes of the March 8, 2011 meeting with the noted correction.  This was seconded by Ruth Sproull.  APPROVED BY A UNANIMOUS DECISION.

 

7:20p.m. REVIEW BYLAW CHANGES/UPDATES: Robert Kelly on behalf of a client requested a change in use to the Form Base Code.  During the discussion it was determined that the Form Based Code Map needed to be corrected due to a change in the Zoning Bylaws in a prior year.  Chairman Charles Elliot requested Robert Kelly discuss with his client his plans for the property.  A review of By Law changes will be on the agenda for the next meeting.

 

8.50p.m. REVIEW HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION BYLAWS: ZA, Paul Dreher indicated that the City Council approved the Planning Commission to serve as the commission for the Historic Preservation.  ZA, Paul Dreher will review the procedures necessary to adopt this commission.

 

9:05p.m. OTHER BUSINESS:  Clark Curtis indicated that the PC Minutes and Agenda should be printed on letter head paper and that the Newport City Website needs to be updated. The next meeting is scheduled for May 3, 2011. 

 

9:10p.m. ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Ruth Sproull nominated Charles Elliott for Chairman.  This was seconded by Rosemary Rowe. Ruth Sproull nominated Clark Curtis for Vice Chairman.  This was seconded by Rosemary Rowe.  Ruth Sproull nominated Rosemary Rowe for Clerk.  This was seconded by Clark Curtis. ALL NOMINATIONS WERE APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS DECISIONS.

 

9:15p.m. Rosemary Rowe made a motion to adjourn.  This was seconded by Ruth Sproull.  APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS DECISION.

 

Minutes taken, transcribed and submitted by Rosemary Rowe



NEWPORT CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES * March 8, 2011

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Clark Curtis, Ruth Sproull, Gerry Coulombe, Rosemary Rowe

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:  Charles Elliott

 

OTHERS PRESENT:  ZA, Paul Dreher, Jennifer Black, NEKCA

 

7:00p.m. Vice Chairman, Clark Curtis called the meeting to order.  Gerry Coulombe made a motion to accept the minutes of the January 18, 2011 meeting.  This was seconded by Rosemary Rowe.  Ruth Sproull abstained.  APPROVED BY A MAJORITY.

 

7:10p.m. DISCUSS MUNICIPAL PLANNING GRANT:  Jennifer Black and ZA, Paul Dreher brought the members up to date on the “Newport City Designated Neighborhood Initiative.  The working partners for this project are ZA, Paul Dreher, Jennifer Black from NEKCA, Khris Flack from Green Mountain Farm to School and Patricia Sears from Newport City Renaissance Corp.

 

The first project will take place on Summer St.  The Planning Commission received a copy of a survey of the residents on Summer St. revealing positive feed back for this project. The focus of the initiative will be a community garden and green place for a safe central gathering place for the neighborhood.  There are also plans underway for a “Block Party” Other neighborhoods have been designated for this initiative. The City received a Municipal Grant in the amount of $18,000.00 for this project with $15,000.00 for labor and $3,000.00 for material and food for the neighborhood block parties.  The project must be completed within 18 months.  These neighborhoods will be eligible for a “designated neighborhood”.  This area has been targeted for housing growth within the Newport City Municipal Plan and this initiative should promote development.

 

7:40 p.m. UPCOMING PC INITIATIVES:  The Newport City Council is considering an approval for participating in the Certified Local Governments Program.  This program requires that a board must be appointed by the Newport City Council.  ZA, Paul Dreher suggested that this appointed board would be a good fit for the Planning Commission.  The Planning Commission members agreed and ZA, Paul Dreher will inform the City Council of this agreement and the decision will be made by the Council.

 

7:50p.m. OTHER BUSINESS:  Clark Curtis reminded ZA, Paul Dreher to print the final draft of the revised Newport City Zoning & Subdivision Bylaw. 

 

Paul Dreher reported that the Derby Planning Commission are unable to meet with us on March 14, 2011 and will get back to us on a date.

 

Clark Curtis suggested that the minutes and agenda be printed on City letterhead.  Clark also suggested that the Newport City Web Site be kept up to date on the minutes and agenda.  It was also decided that the Agenda and the minutes of the meeting would no longer be mailed to the members as it is now emailed and the hard copy will be handed out at the meeting.  ZA, Paul Dreher will request an acknowledgement of receipt of this email.

 

The next meeting will be announced at a later date.

 

8:00p.m. A motion to adjourn was made by Rosemary Rowe and seconded by Ruth Sproull.  APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS DECISION.

 

Minutes taken and transcribed by Rosemary Rowe

 



NEWPORT CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 18, 2011

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: Charles Elliott, Clark Curtis, Gerry Coulombe, Rosemary Rowe.

 

MEMBERS ABSENT: Ruth Sproull

 

OTHERS PRESENT: ZA, Paul Dreher

 

7:00p.m. Chairman Charles Elliott called the meeting to order.  Clark Curtis made a motion to accept the minutes of the Planning Commission for December 14, 2011.  This was seconded by Gerry Coulombe.  APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS DECISION.

 

7:15p.m.DISCUSS MUNICIPAL PLANNING GRANT:  ZA, Paul Dreher handed out a Project Description for the Newport Designated Neighborhood Initiative.  The city received a grant in the amount of $18,000.00.  The area adjacent to the Newport City Designated Downtown has been targeted for housing growth within the Municipal Plan.

 

7:45p.m. UPCOMING PC INITIATIVES: It was decided to delay this discussion for a later meeting.

 

7:50p.m. OTHER BUSINESS: ZA Paul Dreher passed out the Notice of Public Hearing for the Town of Newport.

 

 Clark Curtis inquired about the final copy of the revised Newport City Zoning & Subdivision Bylaw.  ZA, Paul Dreher will make copies and hand these out at the next meeting.

 

The Planning Commission will visit the Town of Derby Planning Commission for a joint meeting to be held on March 14, 2011.

 

Rosemary Rowe made a motion to adjourn.  This was seconded by Gerry Coulombe.  APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS DECISION.





 

2011 Planning Commission Minutes

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2009 Planning Commission Minutes

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