Minutes:
Motioned by R. Moulton seconded by L. Giovanella to approve the minutes of the
Sept. 8th,
2005 meeting with the spelling of counsel corrected. So voted
unanimously.
Zoning
Regulations: S. Hofmann advised the board that he had
spoke with J. Carroll town counsel about the review of Panton zoning documents
that had been drawn up by the law firm of Darby Stearns Thorndike Kolter &
Ware dated June 13,
2002. J. Carroll advised S. Hofmann that the recommendations in this
packet are out dated. J. Carroll did advise S. Hofmann that there are three ways
to go about the updates needed. We could use J. Carroll’s office, go back to J.
Caffry from the law firm that drew up the packet we now have or the third
suggestion was a lawyer from Vt. League of Cities & Towns. S. Hofmann asked
for suggestions as to how to handle this as he would like to go forward to the
Selectboard.
R. Kline suggested staying with J. Caffry as he might be
more efficient having done the last one. S. Hofmann asked for a motion to go
forward to the Selectboard with the recommendation to have J. Caffry work on the
zoning changes. R. Kline made the motion to forward to the Selectboard the
recommendation to have J. Caffry work on the changes. Seconded by L.
Giovanella. So voted unanimously.
Zoning regulation comments:
S. Hofmann asked if anyone had suggestions or comments
concerning zoning regulations. L. Giovanella suggested starting with the
changes that are mandated. E. Hanson explained some of the state statutes that
need to be looked at in the zoning regulations. M. Hermann also recommended
starting with the required elements first. R. Moulton stated he would like to
see included in the regulations something pertaining to the conditional use of
an owner occupied business that does not significantly change the character of
the neighborhood. Another concern R. Moulton mentioned was the lack of
affordable land for the next generation to move to Panton. R. Moulton suggested
that some of the ten acre lots we now have in Panton could be divided into two
or three acre lots creating more affordable land. R Moulton went on to state
this might help save some of the large open agriculture land still in Panton.
E. Hanson stated he would be marking up the current
regulations for suggested changes. E. Hanson suggested going to B. Saxton from
ACRP for help as she has done an excellent job for Addison. E. Hanson did recommend that the town should get
something in the new regulations on farm labor housing. E. Hanson also advised
that the provision in the current zoning regulations stating that if there is an
outstanding violation against a property the owner of the property can not draw
any new permits is unconstitutional.
R. Kline recommended looking at planned residential
development and cluster housing going along with what R. Moulton stated earlier
about affordable housing for the next generation.
Zoning Administrator Report:
S. Hofmann asked for an update on Whispering Pine
Campground from E. Hanson. E. Hanson stated that the sewer system was the main
concern. E. Hanson hopes to have ready for the meeting in November a summery of
findings concerning Whispering Pines from the material he has found. E. Hanson
went on to state it is not a pretty picture, but one way or another the
campground needs to come into compliance. M. Hermann stated the issue needs to
be handled so it does not become a public relations disaster and a black mark
for the town of Panton.
E. Hanson gave updates on the L. Bushey and Vorsteveld
violations that J. Carroll now is handling. E. Hanson also advised the board he
was looking at the Keever and Arnold Bay Farm subdivisions, both of which were
done as PRD, both of which produced nonconforming lots. E. Hanson is still
waiting for the Bowden subdivision application. Upcoming activity- E. Hanson
has a subdivision application for two lots on the O’Bryan property on
East
Road. A hearing for the O’Bryan subdivision will be
scheduled for November 3rd during the regular monthly meeting.
The next meeting will be November 3rd, 2005 @ 7:00 P.M.
Motion to adjourn at 7:50 by R. Moulton seconded by R. Kline. So voted.