Planning Commission advances Town Plan drafting and requests grant administration support

Planning Commission Chair Josiah Jackson updated the Selectboard that the commission has been focused on drafting the new Town Plan, preparing maps with the Addison County Regional Planning Commission (ACRPC), and working with consultant Rebecca Stone of Community Workshops to clarify and scope achievable goals.

Josiah said the commission has devoted significant time to making the plan more actionable and intends to present working drafts to the Selectboard when ready. He expressed some disappointment that ACRPC’s assistance has been basic and noted that PC members are sourcing additional input. On budget and grants, Josiah and Town Administrator Trish Waugh discussed having Town Administration provide grant administration support for PC grants on the condition that each commission assign a liaison to work with the administration; Trish said the town will evaluate capacity and apply consistent support across commissions.

The PC asked that the Selectboard wait for the formal Town Plan presentation before detailed feedback and invited Selectboard members to attend PC meetings. Trish and Selectboard members asked the commission to participate in 1–2 budget meetings to align next year’s appropriations.