Parking Advisory 4/28/25

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PAC Minutes 04-28-25 110 KB

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PAC MINUTES -  April 28^th,  2025

Members Present -  Diane Mariano, Matt Buckley, John Rankin, John Cohn and Chuck Gilroy. John Cohn appeared remotely at first.

Guest Present -  Josh Arneson

6:02 p.m. Welcome and Public Comment.

6:03 p.m. Deletions and/or Additions to Agenda.  There were none.

6:04 p.m. April 7^th, 2025 Minutes. April 7^th. Chuck moved for approval. 

Diane seconded the Motion, and the Minutes were approved.

6:05 p.m. Discussion of Ethics Policy with Josh Arneson. 

          Josh is not concerned about simply being on the road. If the PAC

          issue affects a location on a particular road, it’s a judgment call for the

PAC member living on the road. Is the location close enough to present a conflict?

Should a member of the public issue a complaint about a possible conflict of interest, the conflict issue goes to the Selectboard.

In some instances, a letter to Selectboard may be appropriate if decision

if a PAC member decides against recusal. A PAC may, for example, need to not recuse if a quorum is threatened, or if the conflict is minimal. 

John C. inquired as to whether the issue is different due to the fact that the PAC is advisory in nature? The risk is small, given the PAC only gives advice.

Chuck suggested that if a member declares a recusal, the that member must fully indicate separation from PAC. The member can no longer represent PAC in any manner.  Public comment can only take place as a general member of the public,  clearly stated as such.

Josh confirmed that no previous work / decisions of PAC are affected.

PAC then discussed the 4 overall options, i.e.

1. Expansion of membership
2. Disbandment of PAC
3. Merger of PAC with another committee
4. Keep going as is, with care taken to recuse if necessary or

appropriate.

Chuck opposes merger. No desire to join another group.

Diane asked of Josh that he inform PAC is any of the other committees have particular ideas/concerns.

6:32  p.m. East Cochran Road. 

Discussion of the End No Parking sign relocation.

The problem is the recreation sign blocks parking. No Parking

Begins Here is the wrong location. It should be defined in accordance with the parking ordinance.

          PAC is requesting that Josh address the issue with Pete Gosselin.

          John and Diane recused themselves from the East Cochran Road

discussion after extensive back-and-forth with PAC.

          6:41 p.m. West Cochran Road.  Preparation for Summer 2025.

          John R  addressed the newer Beeken access. Rope remains present, as

the ground is too wet. Permits are in hand to gravel the parking area.

          The old Beeken parking lot will be rehabbed with planting this year.

          John R. referenced a letter from Jim Feinson of the Richmond Land

          Trust

Chuck questioned how the permit was grant to put gravel in the flood plain. Suggested checking with Pete Gosselin on this point as it could affect other parking area decisions.

6:45 p.m. Checkered House.

Diane indicated that PAC has taken upon itself fostering communication

with the State of Vermont.

Chuck questioned whether Development Review Board approval is necessary to obtain a Seasonal Parking sign? Chuck will investigate with Pete, Duncan Wardwell and/or Tyler Machia and Vermont Agency of Transportation.

6:53 p.m. Dugway Road.  Summer 2025 Preparation.

John C. inquired as to whether we should be gathering statistics, perhaps circulate a survey?  Diane questioned whether this is more of an issue of Richmond Land Trust.

John C. stated he will follow up with Jim Feinson. 

Chuck recused himself from discussion.

6:57 p.m.   Topics for Next Meeting.

          East Cochran signage.

Checkered House.

          Matt suggested discussing current and future value of PAC, given

the limited nature of issues before PAC at this time. Should PAC simply become dormant for a time?

7:01  p.m. Next Meeting.  June 2^nd.  

7:05 p.m.   John C. moved to adjourn. Chuck seconded.  Adjourned.