Meeting Minutes : Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 2-23-23

DRAFT

Pittsford Planning Commission Meeting

 February 23, 2023

 

Board Members Present: Kevin Blow, Mark Pape, Chuck Charbonneau, Rick Conway, Robb Spensley

 

  1. 1. Meeting – Call to order

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:16PM by Kevin Blow – Chair.

 

  1. Approval of Meeting Agenda

 

A motion was made by Chuck Charbonneau and seconded by Robb Spensley to approve the agenda. The motion passed unanimously.

 

  1. Approval of Minutes

 

. January 26, 2023, Planning Commission Meeting

 

A motion was made by Robb Spensley and seconded by Mark Pape to approve the minutes of the January 26, 2023 meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

 

  1. Public Comments

Rick Conway reported Beth Peterson submitted an email about the exterior lighting and noted concerns were covered during the Planning Commission hearing.

 

  1. Old Business

 

Mark Pape reported in reaching out to Representatives Butch Shaw and Brian Collomore concerning the follow-up to the questions posed during the April 28, 2022, meeting, following is the email he received from Representative Shaw:

“Hi Mark,

Thanks for your note and I’ll converse with Brian tomorrow. Sorry about dropping the ball on this but we apparently got caught up in the legislatures end of season rush.

Please be advised it will take us some time to get back to you as we research answers to your questions. Also, FYI Monday and an occasional Wednesday are the only nights we have available during the session to meet “back home” and I think your normal meeting night is on Thursday?

Best,

Butch”

Rick Conway advised that Donna Wilson, Sandy Conway, and he attended a legislative breakfast and he spoke with Representatives Shaw and Collomore. He advised them that the questions were sent to them and they indicated they would get back to the Planning Commission. He knows they are really busy, but it will be a year in April since the discussion. Mr. Pape stated if the Commission wants to talk with them in person, there will need to be a special meeting called either Monday or Wednesday, since they are unavailable on Thursdays. Mr. Conway suggested determining when the legislative session will end, but noted a special meeting could be called when it is determined when they will be local.  It was suggested to do a Wednesday meeting when the representatives are available. Chuck Charbonneau suggested requesting where they are stand in supporting the Planning Commission on the Bridge project. It was noted the Board would be agreeable to meet at 6PM on a Wednesday that is available for both the Planning Commission members and the Representatives.

 

Rick Conway reported Donna Wilson provided information from the RRPC. Mr. Conway noted the RRPC reviewed the solar project on Furnace Road. At the last meeting Planning Commission meeting, Kevin Blow had advised the Commission received documents relative to this project and Mr. Blow advised if any members wanted to review the packet, it is available. Mr. Conway advised he reviewed the project and they have filed their application and their 45-day notice. Mike Norris had requested to review any projects that came in relative to solar and Mr. Blow provided the documents to him.

 

With regard to the project on Adams Road, Chuck Charbonneau advised that nothing has happened. Rick Conway noted most projects ask for a letter of support from the Planning Commission and they have provided letters in the past.  Mr. Conway stated it is not mandatory that the projects have the letter of support. The Furnace Road project documents have been provided to the Planning Commission for information, but there has not been a request to meet with the Commission for a letter of support. Mr. Conway noted when the RRPC reviewed the project, they had no problems with it.

Mr. Conway provided background information on solar projects noting in the past, prior to the RRPC’s Energy Plan, the Town was requested to develop an Energy Plan to provide substantial defference with proposed  projects going before the PUC. The Town decided not to change the current Energy Plan but created a Guidance Plan for proposed projects. In the meantime, the RRPC’s Energy Plan was approved and it was decided the Town would work according to the RRPC’s Energy Plan. There is a goal for the State to have a significant amount of solar.

 

  1. New Business

Kevin Blow reported the Planning Commission received a letter from the Vermont Public Utility Commission regarding a notice of hearing that was scheduled for February 14th for DG Outback Acres Solar, LLLC for a scheduling conference. It was noted the letter was dated February 8th and was addressed to both the former Town Manager and former Planning Commission Chair and was provided to the current Planning Commission Chair after the hearing date.

  1. Next Meeting

March 23, 2023, at the Pittsford Town Office

  1. Adjournment

A motion was made by Robb Spensley and seconded by Chuck Charbonneau to adjourn the meeting at 7:54PM. The motion passed unanimously.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Charlene Bryant
Recording Secretary

 

Approved by,

 

_____________________________

The Pittsford Planning Commission