WORK SESSION MEETING

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 8:00 p.m.

II.              PUBLIC COMMENT:

None

III.            OLD BUSINESS:

A.    Revised Comprehensive Plan Survey

Chairman Millar opened the discussion on the revised Comprehensive Plan Survey and turned it over to Town Planner William DePasquale. Mr. DePasquale noted that the Board members had all received the revised survey questions based on their last workshop meeting. Chairman Millar wanted to offer his thoughts before getting into the actual survey questions.

Chairman Millar noted that there were a number of issues in the comprehensive plan that would make it difficult for the Planning Board to understand what the public was thinking. He felt the survey results should offer the Board a clearer understanding of what the public wanted in order to make the difficult policy decisions for the future. He felt there were too many opened ended questions.

Larissa Brown interjected that this was a first survey and not the only way the Board would find out what people are thinking.  That this survey was a way to take the temperature of what’s on people’s minds. Giving them the opportunity to voice their suggestions and concerns. Not control their responses.

Chairman Millar felt that there were too many census data questions that may turnoff survey takers. Ms. Brown noted that while this is not a scientific survey, she felt it was important to have a gauge from the respondent group that could then be related back to the actual statistical profile of Exeter. That the demographic information was worthwhile.

Discussion ensued around the approach to the survey. Peter Flinker, LB Associate, felt that open-ended questions allowed the Board to understand what the different interests are of the people of Exeter and who are the stakeholders.

Chairman Millar continued to be concerned with the survey’s ambiguity. Ms. Brown assured Mr. Millar that more specific surveys would follow as well as public information sessions.

Board member Michael DeFrancesco asked Ms. Brown if she was satisfied with their recommended changes from the previous meeting and acknowledged that she was good with their changes. Chairman Millar asked that an electronic copy of the revised survey be sent to the Board members as well as the CPAC members. Planner DePasquale noted that an electronic copy had been sent. He also stated that the timeline for distributing this survey was upon them and felt this survey was appropriate for a first introduction.

Gina Thurn asked when they could expect the website to be up and running. Larissa Brown had hoped it would be up by May 20^th but expected that deadline may be missed.

Chairman Millar asked if they would add an introductory statement (preamble) to the survey to let the good people of Exeter know that this was an initial survey and that their participation in future surveys would be greatly appreciated. It was noted that the next CAPC meeting, scheduled for June 14^th was actually the Financial Town Meeting, so a new date would be determined.  

Chairman Millar asked if there were any further comments on the survey.  He asked for a consensus that the survey could go out with the clarification that this is an initial survey. All agreed. Donna Di Donato asked that a determination be made by the Board’s Solicitor as to whether or not they could legally hold virtual meetings or possibly hold a hybrid meeting with the consultant via zoom because we no longer have the Governor’s blessing.     

IV.            ADMINISTRATIVE:

A.    Approval of Minutes: March 22, 2022

Chairman Millar asked to approve the minutes. William Haas made the motion to approve the March 22^nd minutes as submitted, Seconded by Michael Viveiros, all in favor. Voted 5-0.

The March 22, 2022 minutes were approved.

Approval of Minutes: April 12, 2022

Chairman Millar asked to approve the minutes. William Haas made the motion to approve the April 12^th minutes as submitted, Seconded by Michael DeFrancesco, all in favor. Voted 5-0.

The April 12, 2022 minutes were approved.

B.    Future Meeting: May 24, 2022

Public Hearing – Mumford, plus one other application.

V.              ADJOURNMENT:

            Motion by William Haas to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Joe St. Lawrence; voted all in favor. 

The Motion Passed. Chairman Millar adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Rebecca Lukowicz  

M. Dixie Foisy

Planning Board Clerk