Planning Commission — 2023-12-06

The Planning Commission met December 6, 2023 with guests from Shore Christian Fellowship and Haven Ministries to discuss expanding a homeless shelter beyond the current Oct–Apr period; operational rules discussed included no federal funding, intake via hotline with assessment, breathalyzer/drug testing on entry, and ER clearance required before police can leave someone; the shelter proposal was tabled to the January 3 meeting for review with a larger group and the Town attorney. Barry Waterman discussed the proposed Wheatland Development Rights & Responsibilities Agreement (DRRA) fees to be paid by the developer; that matter was also scheduled for a January agenda for findings and final decision with all members and the attorney present. The Commission approved a recommendation to permit cannabis enterprise uses (excluding on-site consumption) in HC, RC and I districts and commercial areas in an approved RPC overlay, subject to three conditions: site south of US 301, State licensing, and a 500-ft buffer from schools/childcare/playgrounds/rec centers/libraries/parks; the Town Manager will forward this recommendation to the Town Commissioners. Town Manager updates noted: Peter Robertson going to the Board of Appeals; docks work nearly complete except parking painting; new soccer goals; MDE lead service line inventory due end of 2024 with an engineering estimate of $200,000 to be put out to bid and “50yo loan forgiveness from MDE”; channel survey nearly complete pending sampling results; Kayden Keenan honored as Volunteer of the Year; House Bill 90 flagged for future Comprehensive Plan work; upcoming Tree Lighting and Christmas party events. November minutes were tabled to January; a call about golf course plans was reported; the meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m.