WESTMORELAND PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
Meeting of
Present: Chair Lauren Bressett, Jim Starkey, Laurie Burt, Robert Harcke, Bruce Smith, Nancy Zeller and Alternate Walter Derjue. Absent: Wesley Staples.
Chair Lauren Bressett called the meeting to order at
MINUTES: Laurie Burt
moved to approve the minutes with the following changes. (The Conservation Commission would like more
time to look into the issue of cluster
housing (cluster housing to be change to steep slope ordinance changes. The other change is where the words Cluster Housing are change to P.U.D. ( Plan Unit
Development.)
Seconded by Robert Harcke. All in favor, so voted.
BUDGET REQUEST: The Planning budget was reviewed. The Board discussed requesting the same amount as last years budget amount. Jim Starkey moved to request an addition amount of $1,000. This amount would be for legal fees. Seconded by Laurie Burt. All in favor. Total budget amount requested for 2008 is $6,101.
PLANNING AND ZONING MEETINGS: The Planning and Zoning Boards now meet on the same date every month. There was discussion to change the dates of the meeting so they were not on the same day. Joint meeting were discussed by the Planning Board. If indeed there was a need for a “joint meeting” this could still be accomplished even if the Boards meet on different days. The Planning Board recommended staying the same date, the second Tuesday of the month. Elaine Moore will speak with the Zoning Board at its next meeting regarding moving the Zoning Board date to two weeks after the Planning Board. This will allow time for the Secretary to post notices, make proper notices, etc.
There was discussion regarding sending Planning and Zoning minutes and notices to each department. Therefore each department will be up to date on what the other is doing. The Secretary will send minutes and notices to both departments.
P.U.D. ORDINANCE: Bob Harcke presented documentation from SWRPC. These documents include six P.U.D Ordinances from towns the approximate size of Westmoreland, and overview of the background and benefits of a P.U.D. Ordinance. Bob Harcke will check with SWRPC regarding cost of helping to write a P.U.D. Ordinance for Westmoreland.
ELDERLY HOUSING: Robert Moore Jr, met with the Planning Board to discuss Elderly Housing. As Zoning Administrator Bob has received calls regarding an Elderly Housing Project in Westmoreland. Bob indicated as people grow older the have a desire to continue to live in Westmoreland, however, for many reasons upkeep of a house forces people to move elsewhere. With an Elderly Housing Project in Westmoreland people could stay in town. Jim Starkey stated when the P.U.D. is discussed, the issue of Elderly Housing should also be discussed. There was discussion that towns can receive a Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $500,000. Bob stated there are now many towns with Elderly Housing Projects. Some are owned by Southwester Community Services and some are privately owned.
Bruce Smith suggested in working to update the Master Plan a mailing could be sent to Westmoreland residences to survey what their thoughts and opinions are on the P.U.D. and Elderly housing. All Planning Board members agree.
WARRANT ARTICLES: The Planning Board has no warrant articles at this time. Elaine will check with the Zoning Board.
Planning Board Ordinances will be reviewed at the next meeting.
Jim Starkey moved to adjourn the meeting at
All in favor. Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine Moore
Planning Secretary