Montpelier Development Review Board re-elects Rob Goodwin as chair; Catherine Burgess chosen vice chair

The Montpelier Development Review Board unanimously elected Catherine Burgess vice chair and re-elected Rob Goodwin chair during its Sept. 2 meeting.

The results: Catherine Burgess was nominated and accepted the position of vice chair; the board voted "aye" unanimously. Burgess told the board she appreciated the nomination and noted recent changes in her work schedule and family travel that have made attendance more difficult. "I appreciate the nomination, but my attendance has been spottier than usual over the last couple months," Burgess said, asking colleagues to be understanding about scheduling. The board discussed the existing procedure for naming an acting chair when both chair and vice chair are unavailable.

Rob Goodwin was nominated for chair by the newly seated vice chair and the board then voted to re-elect him unanimously. Goodwin said he was "happy to do it for another year" and expressed a desire to bring new members onto the board over time.

Quorum and vacancies: Board members confirmed that six members were present at the Sept. 2 meeting and that three seats on the board remain open (one regular seat and two alternate seats). The board noted that four members constitute a quorum when the board has six seated members, and members urged those with scheduling conflicts to provide notice in advance so the board can plan for alternates.

Procedural note: Board members reiterated that the board's rules allow the election of an acting chair for a specific hearing if both the chair and vice chair are absent or recused; that acting chair remains the presiding officer for the application being heard.

Ending: The board concluded the elections and moved on to a staff presentation about zoning regulation amendments. The minutes for Aug. 18 were also approved later in the meeting by motion with a second and a unanimous vote.