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Select Board dissolves Planning Council and establishes Planning Commission
Summary
The Select Board voted unanimously to dissolve the Morristown Planning Council and establish a Planning Commission with municipal planning authorities under Vermont law, citing the absence of a planning director and the need for a body that can take formal action on zoning matters.
The Morristown Select Board voted on Feb. 18 to dissolve the town’s Planning Council (an advisory body) and establish a Morristown Planning Commission carrying the authorities of a municipal planning commission under state statute. The motion passed unanimously.
Administration said the Planning Council recently asked to be converted to a Planning Commission so the group could resume statutory functions that require a commission (for example, proposing zoning bylaw amendments and acting on certain planning matters). A member joining by Zoom explained the town previously had a Planning Commission before switching to a council in 2013; the proposed change restores the commission structure while leaving room for a public process about planning staffing and long-term governance.
Board members framed the change as a procedural step to give local planning bodies authority while the town considers whether to hire or re-create a planning director. The board will notify the village trustees and seek their approval for a joint planning arrangement under state law as described in the resolution.
