Planning Commission Draft Minutes 01.22.25

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Town of Guilford

Planning Commission DRAFT Minutes

Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, 6:30pm, 236 School Rd, Guilford VT

Planning Commission members attending: Charlie Light, Jeannette Tokarz, Marty Ramsburg, Jethro Eaton, Julie Holland, Nathaniel Matthiesen and Christina Belogour. 

Call to Order. The meeting was called to order at 6:35pm.

Recognition of the Public: Linda Hecker (from Conservation Commission), Tammy Sargent

Rules and Procedures: No changes, as outlined by Select Board. Basic respect and civility

Changes to Agenda:  None 

Charlie moved to accept the minutes from the December meeting. Jethro seconded and motion was carried unanimously.

We spoke briefly about the glossary being developed and the Guilford Guide. 

Linda talked identifying possible case studies for the natural resources section of the town plan. The sections would have a diversity of plants and animal, would include any that were endangered. Conservation Commission can pinpoint regions in the Forest Block.

Identify blocks for possible sustainable development.

Natural Resources Inventory.

Guilford is almost at the 30% by 2030 goal re land in conservation.

We could identify spots on individual plots for landowners where development would be optimal. Could identify what are the most and least sensitive area on individual lots.

We spoke about how to promote appropriate housing.

Look for volunteer examples of properties for case studies so as not to be anonymous. Jethro suggested his land and possible the rest of the Johnson Pasture. We also thought about approaching the people who wanted their land to be “forever wild.”

We talked about trying to point out the optimal distance from house to road, length of driveway.

Possibly the Guilford Guide having a section on how to steward your land.

We spoke about whether to have one meeting on land resources and another on appropriate development or two meetings.

Discussed the state role without zoning and whether zoning, in fact, gives the town more authority than without zoning or some form of land and natural resources development. If we can’t establish guidelines, someone else will. Need for community education on how to preserve the rural character of Guilford, which is a town wide accepted goal.

Set 3/26/25 at 7pm at the BBCC for joint meeting with Conservation Commission and to make request for BCTV to record the meeting. Want to have both Matt and Chris from Windham Regional at meeting. Ask Meg Mott to moderate. Marty will approach BBCC and Jethro will approach BCTV.

Charlie will reach out to Meghan from the Recreation Committee about social get together for all town commission members at Viking Village for April. PC will coordinate refreshments.

Jeannette will work with Windham Regional on trying to get funding for a Municipal Planning Grant.

Christina moves to adjourn, Jethro Seconds and motion is carried unanimously.

Meeting adjourns at 7:56pm.

Meeting Video: https://youtu.be/JpMh2aIYmA8