Minutes DRAFT
Brookfield Planning Commission
Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Present:Gwynn Zakov, Chair, Martha Judy, Will White, Tim Gershon, Nancy Jacques, Jon Jickling
Public Present: Gary Lord, Kevin & Marie Dunwoody, Katie Bancroft, Andreyevs, David Pattison , Christina Harlow, Aaron Adler, Jon Binhammer, Wayne Fontanella, Pamela and Gary, Elizabeth Templeton , Alexis McQueen, Greg Wight, Wayne Mcginnes, 2 phone in (unidentified)
Chair Zakov called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
White/Gershon moved to approve minutes from the January 9, 2021 meeting. The minutes were approved unanimously.
Norwich Solar Proposal regarding the preferred site application for 150 kw solar array on Ridge Road property owned by Keith and Chelsea Sprague: Zakov communicated to the numerous members of the public on the call that Norwich Solar representatives sent notice that they would not participate in this meeting. White clarified for participants that the Planning Commission has no formal role in the approval of the solar project. In response to a neighbor who requested a letter from the Planning Commission to take before the PUC, to which Zakov clarified that the Planning Commission’s role is not to take a stand on this.
Many of the public voiced concerns over the solar project and urging the Planning Commission to take a position on the project. No action was taken on the Ridge Road solar project by the Planning Commission at this meeting.
Planning Commission discussed two candidates (Christina Harlow and Katie Bancroft) to nominate to fill the vacant seat on the Planning Commission, both of whom were seen to be very strong candidates and would bring value to the board. Judy puts forward motion to nominate Christina Harlow for the Planning Commission vacancy. White seconded the nomination. Approved by unanimous vote.
Chair Zakov stated she will notify both candidates and forward the nomination to the selectboard before the Planning Commissions next meeting in March.
The commission continued review of Brookfield Bylaws focusing on Section 4.13.
Other business:
The Planning Commission debriefed after comments received from the public on the solar project and the decision to take no action by no signing a preferred siting support letter to the PUC for the project.
White updated the board about changes in composition of the Board of adjustment.
Next meeting to be held on March 9th, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
Next meeting will continue review of the bylaws sections 4.13, 4.14, 4.15, As before members will review these sections before the meeting
The meeting was called to close by Chair Zakov at 8:47 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jon Jickling