Parking Advisory 4/7/25

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PAC Minutes 04-07-25 69 KB

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PAC Minutes -  April 7^th, 2025

Members Present - Matt Buckley, Chuck Gilroy, John Rankin, John Cohn

and Diane Mariano.

 6:02 p.m. Welcome and Public Comments

          John C. called the meeting to order. There were no public comments.

6:03  p.m. Additions or Deletions.  None.  Just rearranging of timing of

presentation of certain items.

6:04  p.m. Topics for next meeting. 

Chuck suggested that it be left out as an official agenda item in the future.-  Can be addressed via a simple email.

6:05  p.m. Discussion.  Ethics and Conflicts of Interest Policy.

John R. asked Josh Arneson for feedback on confluence of Town and State Policy.  The Town has the authority to expand on the State policy,

and then can be applied to PAC. State of Vermont Policy doesn’t directly apply to PAC.

Josh went to State of Vermont Ethics Commission, which issued, in Josh’s view, what he identified as an Advisory Opinion.       

John R. commented that the letter appears to be applicable to Selectboard, and not necessarily PAC. She is interpreting Town Policy.

Chuck expressed concerns with meeting a quorum if  the Town adopts her policy. Perhaps could jeopardize existence of other Committees, e..g. Trails Committee, Library Committee.  The policy could also

hinder the ability to recruit new PAC applicants. Chuck was hoping more support from Josh.

Diane questioned clarity re:  Who is subject to Code? Officials and

Employees? But what about the fact that PAC is Advisory only and

has no actual authority?

John R.  reaffirmed that PAC is not subject to the State Code. We are subject to Town Code.

John C. suggested PAC should ask the Selectboard to reconsider.  The purpose of PAC is to distill and foster conversation.

Chuck agreed that the Town must reconsider and redraft.

Diane asked about the confluence of PAC membership with lst Amendment rights to express opinion as a voter.

John C. questioned application of potential conflicts that qualify as

 amorphous, intangible, diminimus.

Matt believes that it should be left to the judgment of individuals of PAC. An example would be judges in court that may or may not

recuse themselves upon request of a party to a dispute.

John C. whether the policy might force disbandment of PAC.

Chuck expanded on that thought. If not disbanded, should PAC membership be expanded, i.e. a Committee of 7? 

John R. suggested PAC members make their own decisions.  Selectboard would have to declare the existence of a problem.

Chuck questioned whether the policy opens the door to the public creating more difficulty.

John C. suggested the idea of PAC merging with Trails, or Recreation?

Chuck indicated he was not a fan of merging.

Next steps were then discussed. Josh to be invited to the next meeting,

and address needed clarifications.

John C. movee to request meeting with Josh.   In the mean-time, step back from decisions impacting Dugway Road and East Cochran Road.   A particular topic should be postponed if not the topic is not appropriate for oo few folks to discuss.  Time of the essence.

Chuck seconded the Motion.   All approved.

6:45 p.m. Approval of Minutes from March 24^th. Diane moved for

approval. John C. seconded.  Minutes approved.  Matt abstained.

John C. indicated all members need to sign the Ethics Confirmation.

6:47 p.m.   Next Meeting  April 28^th.   

6:51  p.m. Checker House Parking Area.

Chuck checked in the State of Vermont. The parking area needs to be open on May 15^th. The grass level should be checked on or around May 1^st.

          There appears to be no role for PAC, for now, going forward.  

When asked, Duncan Wardwell suggested that any signage needs DRB approval.  Chuck will follow up on the physical sign issue.

Diane asked John C. about adding to Google Maps a note about Seasonal Parking. John said he can add Open and Close dates.

7:00  p.m.   QR Codes for Parking Signage.

John C. proposed the idea of adding QR Codes to parking signage for the purpose of explaining parking pattern and explaining the Parking Ordinance.

          A discussion took place regarding Section 6A. Paragraph 20.   One

          proposal would be to add weatherproof vinal signs indicatin New

          Parking Pattern. This might be helpful for some folks.

Chuck suggested a link to the Town Parking Page. John R  clarified that the QR Code would direct users to the page, not the entire Ordinance.  Parking page brings up the Map. 

Confirmed necessary with Pete Gosselin as to whether it is legal to put QR Codes on Town signs.

7:16 p.m. Dugway Road

          No extensive comments.

7:18 p.m. East Cochran Road.  John R. indicated he had information to share information, as he had spoken with Keith, Town Planner.  John

spoke with Keith in January, and then had a follow-up conversation.

Keith confirmed that, although he disagreed with Tyler Machia regarding use of fill to enhance/build out parking areas, Tyler is the

          final arbiter.

John R. communicated with Jim Feinson. RLT will be focusing on Beeken Preserve. No plans for the meadow for the foreseeable future.

7:28  p.m.    John R. moved to adjourned.  Chuck 2^nd. Adjourned.