MINUTES OF THE FRANKLIN PLANNING
COMMISSION
Tuesday, June 26,
2018
HOMESTEAD DINING ROOM
Members Present: Clark
Hubbard, David Bennion, Rolland Rainville, Jordie Fraties, Dan Larivee(arrived
7:45), Maureen Sodaro (Secretary),
Guests: Yvon Dandurand( Selectboard), Peter
Magnant (Selectboard)
Meeting called to
order at: Meeting called to order at 7:35 pm.
Approval of Minutes: Dave
made a motion to approve the May 2018 minutes, seconded by Jordie. All approved
the minutes.
Old Business: Clark stated that he signed off on the Gervais sketch
plan, as all requirements were met. Rolland mentioned that he met with the woman
who is responsible to upgrade watershed map.
There are still questions regarding the brooks and other waterways. They are still unsure as to where all the
waterways in the watershed go.
New Business: Public Hearing to review with concerned
citizens and recommendation to approve the proposed amendments to the town (if
they are approved).Chapter 9 of the energy plan is much more detailed than in
the past, and coincides with the Regional plan.
Peter asked what was added to the Municipal Plan to meet the
standards by the State of Vermont.
Clark
said that the state has a goal to be met by 2050, but that there is not an
exact statement telling how to achieve that goal. Clark stated that there is no yearly increment set to
meet the renewable standard of 90% by 2050.
The RPC is not overly in favor of windmills- they would rather see solar
energy. Clark said that Franklin is not a wind turbine prosperous
town.
David said that as long as we have a plan on paper, we have
input to the Public Service Board regarding placement of renewable energy
sources. Franklin
will not have the final say in a decision made by the State of Vermont, but at least
the town has a say in the decision regarding placement of solar or windmill
farms (screens, other coverings)
There was discussion regarding placement of 149 kw solar
projects. A person can build several 149
kw projects, as long as they are not linked together on the same property or meter.
(the projects must be less than 150 kw) The PC can also approve or disapprove small
projects if they are a detriment to neighbors.
There also was discussion regarding personal solar panels on properties
and the advantage of the credits the electricity produces.
The Franklin Municipal plan regarding renewable energy is
following the State of Vermont regulations
(NRPC), yet protecting the Town of Franklin.
Dan asked Yvon and Peter if they had any concerns regarding
the plan. They asked if the plan could
force townspeople to change existing systems in order to meet the 90%. Clark said
that no one could be forced to go renewable energy. There are no penalties for homeowners who do
not make the change to renewable energy.
Franklin Planning Commission- p. 2
Franklin Homestead
Dining Room
June 26, 2018
There was discussion of alternative sources such as electric
heat pumps and other types of units which vary in efficiency depending on the
cost of electricity to run the units.
The potential for natural gas lines coming to Franklin was also discussed. Jordie asked contacted a representative, and
was told such a project is a long way off.
There was also discussion regarding the digesters farms are
using. The State of Vermont does not currently count a digester
as a form of renewable energy. Yvon
thought that decision might change in the future.
There was clarification regarding percentage of weatherization
improvements to homes.
Clark said that a link to
Efficiency Vermont should be put on the Town Website in order to make it easier
for people to get information on becoming more energy efficient.
Clark made a motion that
the PC approves the updated draft of the Municipal Plan as written including
the enhanced energy section. The plan
will be moved to the Selectboard for review before a public hearing is warned. The motion was seconded by Dave. All members approved the motion.
Clark told the Selectboard
members that in order to add a section to the Town Plan regarding the
protection of the water supply to the town, there needs to be a study regarding
the source of the town water. With the
source(s) of the water supply currently in question, it is not possible to add
a section to the Municipal plan. It was determined that there is surface water
entering the supply. The question to the
selectboard has to do with the sources of the surface water. Peter said that Jess Alexant is working with
the State of Vermont
in trying to determine sources and how best to protect the water supply. The process is moving slowly. The pros and
cons of deep wells were also discussed.
There was discussion regarding the spring on Rolland’s
property, which has not been maintained and needs upgrades in order to be used
for public use. Clark feels a better way to
protect water sources to the town would be for the town to purchase land around
water sources, rather than lease. Peter did not think it was a viable option
for water users, as the system is currently self sufficient. The users are responsible to pay for the
upgrades. Rolland said that currently the
town leases the area around the spring on his property at $20.00 per year. There was discussion about the limitations to
the system, which prevents the addition of new users. This limitation prevents potential growth in Franklin.
Peter told the PC that the State of Vermont owns the current water supply but
not the land. The Town of Franklin pays the State of Vermont for the water, which is why the
state wants a meter system. We are
currently paying based on estimates, not actual use.
Franklin Planning Commission p. 3
Homestead Dining Room
June 26, 2018
Public Comments: Peter
Magnant told the PC that the Selectboard has been approached by a community
member regarding the evergreen tree in front of the library. It is not in good shape, and poses a hazard
to the building or patrons. Replacement
tree(s) could be planted in its place.
The Selectboard will be discussing the issue at their next meeting.
Other concerns:
Motion to Adjourn: Clark made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:40,
seconded by Dan. The meeting was
adjourned at 8:40.
The next regular meeting of the Franklin Planning Commission
will be held on
July 17, 2018 in the Homestead
Dining Room.
Respectfully Submitted,
Maureen Sodaro, Secretary
June 26, 2018
Minutes are not final
until approved by the Planning Commission at the next regular meeting.