Planning Commission Minutes 4.23.25
Town of Guilford
Planning Commission DRAFT Minutes
Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 6:30pm, 236 School Rd, Guilford VT
Planning Commission members attending: Charlie Light, Jeannette Tokarz, Marty Ramsburg, Jethro Eaton, Julie Holland, and Christina Belogour.
Call to Order. The meeting was called to order at 6:35pm.
Recognition of the Public: William Jewell (from Conservation Commission), Mike Szostok (Selectboard), Meg Mott, and Hans Estrip
Rules and Procedures: No changes, as outlined by Select Board. Basic respect and civility
Changes to Agenda: None
Marty moved to accept the minutes from the December meeting. Julie seconded and motion was carried unanimously.
We reviewed the March 26th public meeting called “What About Washouts” held at the Broad Brook Community Center and hosted by the Planning Commission and the Conservation Commission and featuring Meg Mott, as moderator; Jim Freeman, Road Commissioner; Chris Campany, Windham Regional Commission; Hans Estrin, UVM’s Ecological Planning Laboratory; and Cory Ross, Windham Regional Conservation District.
Generally agreed it was a good meeting. Attendance was 40-50 and the discussioons were wide ranging and while diverse, very civil. It was felt that the presence of the road crew was vital as they centered the discussion and could speak with authority about specific problems. Road maintenance takes up 50% of the town budget.
Discussion about how to promote engaging dialogue. Attendees at the meeting were open and discussed work they could do on their own properties. Possibilities for pilot projects. The Vermont guide to Storm Water Management was held up as a resource.
Discussion on building trust through more of these public meetings throughout the year. Discussed focusing with the road crew on priority areas and if they can be ameliorated through work on surrounding private properties. Quoted Wendell Berry: “Everyone’s downstream from someone.”
Discussion abou hubs being involved beyond their work doing emergency management. About developing water control techniques. Shawn White and the Windham Regional Commission as being resources that could be very helpful. Discussed other partner organizations that could be of help to landowners in managing water and flood issues. Speak with Jimmy and road crew about particular problem areas.
Discussion about how to increase engagement:
Writing people’s statements down
Avoiding controversial topics
A soft approach so that everyone’s opinion is taken into consideration
Foment a democratic approach, not top down but decisions are made organically
Make it clear that there is no “right” answer
Assume that there will be disagreement and set stage for respectful disagreement
Establish trust
Train moderators who can speak progressive, conservative and libertarian
Build on what we have
Try to make unlikely bedfellows
Rely on neighbors to practically solve problems
Marty motions to adjourn. Charlie seconds and it is passed unanimously. Meeting adjourns at 7:50.
Meeting video: https://youtu.be/Do2Y6nO-rL4