Hartford commissioners question mandatory 'shall' language in Two Rivers draft plan

Committee member (speaker 1) opened by identifying three priorities and singled out mandatory wording: "The 1st issue is the so called mandatory policies, mandatory language, shalls and musts and wills." The commission discussed how 'shall' language moves a provision from aspirational guidance toward enforceable criteria that could be used in Act 250 reviews, and members urged clearer definitions so towns like Hartford would not face unintended enforcement or unfunded mandates.

Moderator (speaker 5) highlighted the overlap with local procedures, saying the town's design‑review and Certified Local Government (CLG) processes already provide historic‑preservation review: "It points to the town's, guidance. And that's our certified local government, which is our Historic Preservation Commission." Commissioners asked staff to craft a short letter and a list of specific 'shall' items they recommend changing to 'should' or clarifying in the glossary. No formal vote was taken; the group agreed to return with draft comment language ahead of the Two Rivers meeting.