FAIRFAX
TOWN OFFICE
PC MEMBERS PRESENT: G. Heyer, A. Lemieux, M. Hunziker, R. Wimble, D. Brown
Public Present: S. Taylor, Z.A.; A. Karnatz
7:30 PM G.
Heyer called the meeting to order. The minutes from August 5, 2008 were reviewed.
M. Hunziker made a motion to accept the Minutes from August
5, 2008. D. Brown second. All in
favor
Allen Karnatz, regional
Co-Director Champlain Valley, Vermont Land Trust (VLT), met with the Planning
Commission. He talked about the program
in general. They protect mostly farm
land. Many times the farms are sold by
the Land Trust, but the Deeds have restrictions against subdividing the
properties and developing the land. They are flexible with the conservation easement,
and they do allow farm buildings. The Land Trust does try to get adjacent
farms. Some are sold to the Land Trust
and some are gifted. The job of the VLT is to protect the best agricultural
land in the area.
The VLT is in the preliminary
stages of purchasing the development rights of some of the property owned by a
Fairfax resident. Mr. Karnatz wanted feedback from the Town before he
proceeded. Each property is reviewed on a case by case basis. The appraisal has not been done yet. They do not pay over the appraised value,
which is usually the difference between 1) the value if the land was fully
developed, and 2) the value with restrictions.
After discussion of the
specific property, the Planning Commission asked VLT to consider granting an
easement for public access along a brook, if they proceed with the project. Mr. Karnatz left.
The Planning Commission
discussed the Town Plan. S. Taylor had sent G. Brunswick current photos of the
Town. He is not sure if they will be in
color or black and white. A joint meeting with the Selectboard has
been scheduled for September 16, 2008 from 7:30 to 9:30 PM at the Town Office.
S. Taylor talked about various issues the Selectboard mentioned to him. There
was extensive discussion on private roads that are not built to required
standards. One suggestion would be to require a Town appointed Engineer to
inspect each private road, at the Developer’s expense. A. Lemieux mentioned
maintenance of private roads was an important factor.
A sheet of questions from Karon
Horn, Vermont League of Cities and Towns regarding the Smart Growth Summer
Study Committee was discussed. C.
Raymond will e-mail the responses. An
e-mail from C. Steen regarding grants was discussed. The Village Center Designation Study was also discussed. S. Jones
is working on that study. Storm water permits were discussed. One acre or more
of impervious surfaces (roadways, driveways, rooftops), will trigger a Storm
Water Permit. Developments can be fined if stormwater systems are not
maintained.
The Planning Commission would
like to schedule a joint meeting with the Development Review Board in
October. The next Planning Commission will be on September 2, 2008.
9:00 PM A. Lemieux made a motion to adjourn. M. Hunziker second. All
in favor.
EXHIBITS:
Locator Map showing land in Fairfax that is protected by
the VLT.
Orthophoto Map, showing the land of a Fairfax resident,
discussed by VLT.
VLT information titled “Protecting our relationship with
the land and each other”.
VLT newsletter, summer 2008.
Respectfully Submitted,
Cathy Raymond, Zoning and
Planning Assistant
Approved_____________________________________
Date______________, 2008
(Chair)
These minutes are unofficial until approved at the next regularly scheduled meeting.