WORK SESSION

Pursuant to Executive Orders executed by

the Governor of RI as a result of the Covid-19 Pandemic,

this meeting was held virtually via Zoom

Members present:     Scott Millar, Michael DeFrancesco, William Haas, Gina Thurn, Joe St. Lawrence, Michael Viveiros, and Donna Di Donato

Members Absent:      None

Staff present: William DePasquale, Planner and Dixie Foisy, Clerk

I.                CALL TO ORDER:

Chair Scott Millar called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m.

II.              PUBLIC COMMENT:

None

III.            OLD BUSINESS:

A.    Discussion and/or Possible Action: Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee

Scott Millar began the discussion with a history of the previous Comprehensive Plan Citizens’ Advisory Committee. A disconnect between the public and the advisory board was noted in the 1990’s. A suggestion was made to dedicate work sessions to help formulate the new Comprehensive Plan so as not to overburden the members of the Planning Board.  

Gina Thurn stated that she does not mind attending some extra meetings to get the Comprehensive Plan completed and if some work can be done during a normal work session, then that would be fine as long as the regular business is not put aside.

Bill Hass agreed with Gina and stated that it's the responsibility of the Planning Board to create and finalize the Comprehensive Plan and if a few more meetings are required, then he is willing to attend. 

Joe St. Lawrence agreed that a few more meetings would be acceptable.

Additional discussion ensued about the logistics of future meetings in regard to the Comprehensive Plan and how important it is to meet as a collective public body rather than individuals.

Scott Millar reiterated his concerns that he doesn’t want history to repeat itself thereby delaying the process and suggested deferring some work session items and concentrating on the Comprehensive Plan to facilitate the quick completion of this very important document for the town.

 Gina expressed concern and suggested that if a third meeting is needed in a month, she considers it a necessity so that everyone is aware of the public’s opinion and the planning board’s input.

 Mike DeFrancesco stated he would rather keep the Comprehensive Plan during work sessions so that board members are not being asked to attend more meetings unless the work sessions get too busy.

After further discussion, the consensus was to integrate working on the Comprehensive Plan with work session items with the possibility of adding additional meetings as needed always with the consideration of the members’ time so that they are not overwhelmed.

B.    Comp Plan Status:

Bill DePasquale discussed his memo and suggested letter for CPAC. Bill recommended asking various residents to serve on the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee including seniors, residents in different neighborhoods, and asking a diverse population so that all residents’ ideas can be heard.

Scott Millar thanked Bill DePasquale for completing the worksheet as it is a helpful guiding tool, especially the sample letter inviting participation from the public. The optimum number of people needed on the advisory committee was discussed to include possibly 10-12 from the public and reach out to any areas that may be under-represented. A focus on making sure that all areas are represented including, but not limited to, the elderly, a fair mix of male and female residents, people living in differently dense areas, as well as the people on the east side and west side of the town. Additional discussion ensued.

Bill DePasquale suggested that the Planning Board make recommendations to the Town Council as to who should be appointed to the Advisory Committee for the Council’s consideration as a first step in forming the Advisory Board; in the end it is a Planning Board document. The discussion ended with asking the Planning Board members to take some time to speak to groups and residents for the purpose of compiling a list of names to serve on the Advisory Board that could be sent to the Council. 

Discussion ensued regarding different avenues of advertising; Town website, Library, Facebook pages, EWG School websites were among some suggestions.

The Planning Board asked Bill DePasquale to reword the letter slightly by adding an explanation of the Comprehensive Plan emphasizing that no special experience is required. A deadline of March 8^th was discussed for people to get their letters of interest to the Planning Board.

IV.            ADMINISTRATIVE:

A.    Future Meeting: February 22, 2022

Discussion ensued about pending applications coming up on the February 22^nd meeting. One member asked that the public hearing be placed last on the agenda with the more routine and quick items being placed first so that the Planning Board could give the public hearing the proper time and attention. Everyone was in agreement.

V.              ADJOURNMENT:

Motion by William Haas to adjourn, seconded by Gina Thurn; voted all in favor.  MOTION PASSED. Chairman Millar adjourned the meeting at 7:58 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,  

M. Dixie Foisy

Planning Board Clerk