4.  CPAC members discussed upcoming events for outreach opportunities which included the following: Washington County Fair, Exeter Fall Festival held at Yawgoo Valley Ski, Car Show held at the Animal Shelter, Farmer’s Markets, Social Services networks, Places of worship, etc. Outreach will continue throughout the process.

5.  It was noted that volunteers for outreach programs could be gained through the National Honor Society or through guidance counselors; as high school seniors are required to have community service hours as part of their graduation requirements.

6.  Ms. Brown indicated that the Exeter 2044 website is crucial to connecting with town residents and maintaining that connection with them throughout the process.

The Website “Welcome to Exeter 2044” would include:

--Sign up and stay informed

--Take Our Survey

--Share your personal vision

--Review/Comment on maps

--Review/Comment on Exeter data

7.  The Exeter Library will be setting up a “hub” for the comprehensive plan where residents can access comprehensive plan information and obtain website assistance.

8.  Scott Millar noted that USDA agriculture census information is somewhat lacking. He mentioned Thomas W. Sproul, Associate Professor Environmental and Natural Resource Economics at the University of Rhode Island has done some great work in this area. Ken Ayers (Exeter resident) from DEM, Division of Agriculture, would also be an excellent resource.

9.  General and targeted surveys were discussed and how the information that is gathered will be used. An option for requiring names and addresses was considered.

10. Noah Thurn, although absent, was assigned to oversee school outreach programs and engaging the younger Exeter residents to become involved in the planning process.

11. Gina Thurn asked that the first survey be sent out to the members of the CPAC for their better understanding of what’s being asked of the Exeter residents.

12. William DePasquale noted that he will keep a database of conversations committee members are having with townspeople. That they simply need to email him with the information they recall from their interactions. He would then summarize the comments that are collected.

13. Larissa Brown noted that what they want to work towards is consensus building and possibly

adopt the ten most important items to accomplish in the next 20 years.

14. Michael DeFrancesco stated that Exeter does not have any “pad ready” sites and the Town needs to adopt this as a policy. Mr. DePasquale noted the Rt. 3/Rt. 95 location could be rezoned allowing the Town to have those “pad ready” sites.

15. Banner locations were discussed and locations considered: Transfer station, Library, Schools, Town Hall, Oak Harbor.

16. Ms. Brown asked about focus groups to consider: Farmers, forest management, small business entrepreneurs, home-based businesses, large land holders (It was noted that the tax assessor’s office would have the information for these groups), cultural land owners, soccer, football, cheerleader groups, etc.

17. Community association opportunities include: Deer Brook, Cedar Grove, Boone Lake, homeowner associations as possibilities.

18. Ms. Brown indicated that the mailer “Say hello to Exeter 2044” would go out to every postal address in Exeter as soon as the website is up and running. The anticipated timeline for the website is by the end of July.

19. The group questioned the “Call to Action” on the mailer and the need for more clarification of

“what a comp plan is”, a timeline as well as adding a QR code.

20. Future meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 13, 2022. Workshop/CPAC meeting.

21. It was noted that the meetings cannot be held by zoom, that state law requires that they be held in person. Electronic documents will be sent to committee members, those who would prefer a hard copy should contact Bill DePasquale.

22. Public Comment was the next agenda item with no Public Comment the CPAC meeting was adjourned by the facilitator.

William J DePasquale Jr., AICP

Town Planner and Contact for the Comprehensive Plan Update

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