Planning Commission Minutes

April 4, 2005


This meeting was held in conjunction with the Select Board meeting to review the topic of impact fees.

Planning Commission members present: Linda Baker, Steve Barner, Jim Bralich, Jim Thornton, Rodney Pingree

Planning Commission members absent: none

Clerk: Amy Grover

Also present: Ian Macdougall, CCRPC, Deb Lariviere and Select Board members Pat Mallow and John Devine

Agenda Item #1 - Meet with Select Board to review impact fees.
Ian Macdougall of CCRPC gave a brief presentation to the group regarding impact fees, and discussion followed. The presentation and discussion included the following:

Statutory information regarding impact fees.
Town Plan must be confirmed to charge impact fees. Bolton's Town Plan is approved.
Affects new development.
Impact fees are a condition, not a tax.
Impact fees must be used within 6 years.
Issues of accountability and a reasonable formula for devising impact fee schedule.
Specific capital improvements must be budgeted.
Components of capital improvements program plan.
Project a capital budget that is contingent upon development, certain conditions will trigger certain capital improvements.
Most common impact fees: schools, road improvements, recreation, fire sub stations, planning, architect studies, surveys.
No standard formula, each town is different.

After discussion the consensus of the group was that the impact fee issue needed much more careful thought and consideration than the evening provided. Linda Baker noted that the PC would be unavailable to move forward with further research on impact fees, as the PC was on a strict timeline for the Town Plan update, with only 1 year to finish the grant work plan. Deb Lariviere suggested a task force, and/or contacting Sharon Murray for more information. Jim Thornton volunteered to pursue further assessment of impact fees, and to contact Sharon Murray.

Agenda Item #2 - Minutes March 7, 2005
Rodney Pingree made the motion to accept the minutes of March 7, 2005. Jim Thornton seconded the motion. All were in favor, motion carried.

The next two meetings of the Planning Commission are scheduled for Monday May 2, and June 6, 2005, 6 - 8 p.m. @ Smilie School, unless otherwise posted.