LONDONDERRY, Vt. – The Londonderry Planning Commission recently submitted a letter to the selectboard requesting that the commission become a three-member board. Planning Commission Clerk Pamela Spaulding addressed the selectboard at its Nov. 2 meeting, reporting that the planning commission has had difficulty recruiting and retaining members, referring to the two recent resignations from Chad Stoddard and Jen Greenfield. The letter added that, “If reducing the seats on the planning commission is not acceptable,” then the commission would like to “be part of the interview and decision-making process.”
Spaulding expressed that currently, the commission is able to meet its obligations to the other committees that it is supposed to represent, which is why members felt they could maintain a three-member board and fulfill their duties.
Selectboard Chair Tom Cavanagh voiced that he did not see an issue, and that the commission could revert to a five-member board if it needed to. Board member Taylor Prouty countered that there are minimums to have a quorum, and if the commission reduced the number of seats to three, it may be limiting itself. Cavanagh agreed with Prouty, noting that if someone could not attend, the commission could not hold a meeting.
Prouty stated his inclination to maintain the planning commission at five seats, and expressed hope that the right person or people would show interest in joining. Spaulding reiterated the difficulty in gaining members, reporting that Chair Trevor Powers and Vice Chair Stephen Twitchell had reached out to a number of people who declined a seat.
Town Administrator Aileen Tulloch confirmed there are state statutory requirements for the planning commission, but that it could potentially appoint an individual who does not live in Londonderry. Selectboard member Jim Flemming voiced that he would prefer the members live in town. Prouty suggested that the right candidate that lives in a neighboring town could bring relevant information to the commission.
The selectboard decided to not reduce the seats on the commission, supported the idea of making recommendations for new applicants.
Zoning Administrator Will Goodwin then proposed to the board adopting a 10-acre rule, meaning that applications for subdivisions of 10 acres or less would not require an Act 250 permit. He explained that the town originally opted for a 1-acre rule because it did not have subdivision bylaws. Now, Goodwin stated, the town has comprehensive subdivision bylaws which conform to state regulations, which is the prerequisite to adopting a 10-acre rule.
Goodwin explained that a 10-acre town is less likely to have to complete zoning permits for subdivisions, while a 1-acre town is more likely to require them. He quickly noted that there are many state permits that would still be required for things like wastewater and stormwater, but fewer permits for archaeological purposes and dig reviews.
Goodwin also explained that in a 1-acre town, Act 250 would apply for any commercial development over 1 acre, but that if the municipality becomes a 10-acre town, Act 250 would only apply to commercial projects over 10 acres.
Upon questioning, Goodwin confirmed this meant that the town would have more opportunity to develop on a smaller lot, with less state interference. The board approved becoming a 10-acre municipality.
The transfer station will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 12, to observe Veterans Day.
The Londonderry Selectboard meets on the first and third Mondays of every month, at 6 p.m., at the town office and on Zoom.