Town of Bennington
                      Planning Commission
                            MINUTES
                                
                       December 13, 2000
                           7:00 p.m.
                      Town Office Building
                        205 South Street
                   Bennington, Vermont 05201
                                

                    Members Present:    Don Hicks - Chair, Bob Burgess - Clerk,  Barry Horst,
               Michael McDonough, Sharon Yorke

                    Also Present:       Janet Thompson
               Dan Monks, Zoning Administrator
               
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

Minutes of November 2, 2000
          The Commission reviewed the Minutes of the November 2, 2000 Planning Commission
     meeting.  One typographical error was noted and corrected. 

Bob Burgess moved that the minutes be accepted as corrected.

Barry Horst seconded the motion.

The motion passed unanimously.

Election of Clerk
          The Zoning Administrator related his conversation with the Secretary of State regarding
     her opinion that the Clerk of the Planning Commission must be a duly appointed member
     of the Planning Commission, but that his/her duties could be delegated to a staff member.

Barry Horst nominated Bob Burgess for the Clerk.
Mike McDonough seconded the nomination.
Don Hicks, Barry Horst, Michael McDonnough and Sharon Yorke voted in favor of
electing Bob Burgess as Clerk.
Bob Burgess obstained.

Review of Proposed Rules of Procedure
          The Planning Commission members discussed proposed Rules of Procedure.  Minor
     changes were recommended regarding continuing education requirements and the statutes
     applicable to the Commission.
          By consensus, the Commission directed the Zoning Administrator to make the
     recommended changes and place on January's agenda the adoption of the Rules of
     Procedure.

The Vermont Smart Growth Scorecard
          The Planning Commission discussed whether or not the Commission should schedule a
     time to work through the Vermont Smart Growth Scorecard developed by the Orton
     Family Foundation.
          Janet Thompson discussed her experience at a seminar held by the Orton Family
     Foundation.  An extensive discussion followed regarding the Orton Family foundation and
     their work.  Both positive and negative views were expressed. 
          By consensus, the Commission agreed to place the Vermont Smart Growth Scorecard on
     the Commission's January meetings agendas.  

Downtown Signage
          The Planning Commission discussed signage in the downtown Design Review district. 
     Janet Thompson recommended making changes to the sign ordinance including the
     prohibition of internally lit signs within the District and asked for comments from the
     Commission.  Some members felt it was appropriate to discuss signage issues at a future
     meeting while some members felt that signage issues were not pressing enough to warrant
     immediate attention.  The Commission did not reach consensus on the issue.

Proposed Revisions to Zoning Bylaw
          The Planning Commission discussed proposed revisions to the Zoning Bylaw to reflect the
     newly adopted Development Review Board form of permit review.  Minor amendments
     regarding the notification of abutters were recommended and approved

          Bob Burgess moved to approve the proposed changes to the Zoning Bylaw with the
     recommended changes. 

          Barry Horst seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

          The Commission signed a Resolution to conduct a Public Hearing on January 10,
     2001 at 7:15 p.m. for the purpose of considering the proposed amendments to the
     Zoning Bylaw.

Bike Path
          The Planning Commission discussed the issue of the planned extension of the River
     Walkway and a proposal of the Paran Pathways group to convert the Bennington Rail
     Spur to a pathway.

          Bob Burgess moved that the Planning Commission send a letter to the Select Board
     expressing the following sentiment:


          The Planning Commission continues to endorse the extension of the River Walkway
     along the Walloomsac River and the preservation of the Bennington Railroad spur
     (corridor) for rail service.

     Barry Horst seconded the motion.

          The motion passed unanimously.

          The Planning Commission directed the Zoning Administrator to prepare a letter to the
     Select Board expressing the sentiment set forth in the motion.

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:30 p.m.


Respectfully,



Daniel W. Monks
Zoning Administrator



























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