Commission on Act 250: The Next 50 years

The Commission on Act 250: the Next 50 Years is a six-member legislative committee that is to examine and report by December 15, 2018 on a broad list of issues relating to the State land use law known as Act 250, originally passed in 1970 and codified at 10 V.S.A. chapter 151.

Print

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Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

Convene

10:05 AM

Elections

- Chair
- Vice Chair

10:15 AM

Introductions

Members and Advisors

10:30 AM

Adjustments to Agenda

10:45 AM

Review of Commission Charge

• Aaron Adler, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
  

11:00 AM

Update from Natural Resources Board

• Diane Snelling, Chair, Natural Resources Board
  

11:15 AM

Discussion of Future Commission Process

- Next steps in implementing the charge
- Setting up review of Act 250 statute, implementation, and history
- Schedule further meetings

12:15 PM

Other Business

12:45 AM

Opportunity for public to express opinions on matters considered during the meeting

1:00 PM

Adjourn

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Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

Convene: Act on Minutes

10:05 AM

Adjustments to Agenda

10:10 AM

History and Overview of Act 250 and Land Use Planning

Overview: Aaron Adler Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Act 250: Diane Snelling, Chair Natural Resources Board
Land Use Planning: Sharon Murray, Vermont Planners Association

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Executive Branch Working Group Report on Act 250

Overview Diane Snelling, Chair, Natural Resources Board

• Joe Flynn, Secretary of Transportation, Agency of Transportation
  
• Julie Moore, Secretary, Agency of Natural Resources
  
• Michael Schirling, Secretary, Agency of Commerce and Community Development
  
• Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

2:30 PM

Committee Discussion

Develop questions for Advisors on what additional information is needed

3:00 PM

Opportunity for public to express opinions on matters considered during the meeting

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Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

Convene: Act on Minutes

10:05 AM

Adjustments to Agenda

10:10 AM

Comments from Advisors

• Peter Gregory, Executive Director, Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission
  
• Karen Horn, Director, Public Policy & Advocacy, Vermont League of Cities and Towns
  
• Bill Keeton, Professor of Forest Ecology, University of Vermont
  
• Tom Little, Chair, District 4 Environmental Commission
  
• Sharon Murray, Legislative Liaison, Vermont Planners Association
  
• Ernie Pomerleau, Pomerleau Real Estate
  
• Brian Shupe, Executive Director, Vermont Natural Resources Council
  
• Diane Snelling, Chair, Natural Resources Board
  
• Gerry Tarrant, Chair, Environmental Law Section, Vermont Bar Association
  

2:45 AM

Public Comments

• James Dumont, Attorney
  
• Tim Taylor, Chair, District 3 Environmental Commission
  

3:05 AM

Committee Discussion

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Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

Convene

Review Minutes
Adjustments to the Agenda

10:10 AM

Comments from Advisors

• Elizabeth Courtney
  

10:25 AM

Public Outreach

Susan Clark - Author of Slow Democracy and "Strengthening and Sustaining Public Engagement in VT
Diane Snelling, Chair, Natural Resources Board - Shorelands Bill Outreach Process
Louis Porter, Commissioner, Fish and Wildlife - Public Process used by Fish and Wildlife Board

11:40 AM

Public Comments

• Justina Gregory
  
• Susan Kelly
  

11:50 AM

Public Outreach Plan - Commission Discussion

12:15 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Executive Branch Response to Commission Questions

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State Designation Programs overview and their role in supporting strong communities and environmental health (ACCD)

2:45 PM

Advisors Response to Commission Questions

• Karen Horn, Director, Public Policy & Advocacy, Vermont League of Cities and Towns
  
• Tom Little, Chair, District 4 Environmental Commission
  
• Ernie Pomerleau, Pomerleau Real Estate
  
• Brian Shupe, Executive Director, Vermont Natural Resources Council
  

3:15 PM

Commission Discussion

Meeting schedule during the legislative session
Sub-committees
Additional Advisor

3:45 PM

Public Comments

4:00 PM

Adjourn

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Thursday, January 18, 2018

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

8:00 AM

Commission Discussion

RFP for Public Meetings Facilitator
Schedule for Public Meetings
Possible Sub-Committees

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Friday, May 18, 2018

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

Convene

1. Proposed additions or changes to the agenda
2. Paul Dicken of Cope Associates will walk through the Outreach Plan with time for discussion
3. Discuss status of content for public outreach materials
· Act 250 History and Structure for the public
· Sub-committee information
· On-line Survey
· Map Needs
4. Dates and locations of 6 public outreach meetings
5. Future Commission meetings

12:00 PM

Adjourn

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Friday, June 15, 2018

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

Review and discuss public forum agenda and content with Cope Associates.

12:00 PM

Adjourn

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Tuesday, June 19, 2018

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

12:00 PM

Review and discuss public forum agenda and content with Cope Associates.

1:00 PM

Adjourn

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Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

6:00 PM

Public Outreach

1. Welcome and Introductions
2. Video Welcome
3. Act 250 Essentials
a. Background & History
b. Key Facts
4. Explanation of The Big Deal™
5. Community Discussions & Priority Setting
a. Statewide Perspectives
b. Disruptors: The Effects of Climate Change & Infrastructure
c. Impact Perspectives
d. Personal Preferences
6. Large Group Discussion & Results

8:00 PM

Next Steps & Closing

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Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

6:00 PM

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1. Welcome and Introductions
2. Video Welcome
3. Act 250 Essentials
- Background & History
- Key Facts
4. Explanation of The Big Deal™
5. Community Discussions & Priority Setting
- Statewide Perspectives
- Disruptors: The Effects of Climate Change & Infrastructure
- Impact Perspectives
- Personal Preferences
6. Large Group Discussion & Results

8:00 PM

Close

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Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

6:00 PM

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1. Welcome and Opening Remarks
2. Video Welcome
3. Act 250 Essentials
• Background & History
• Key Facts
4. Explanation of The Big Deal™
5. Community Discussions & Priority Setting
• Statewide Perspectives
• Disruptors: The Effects of Climate Change & Infrastructure
• Impact Perspectives
• Personal Preferences
6. Large Group Discussion & Results
7. Closing Remarks and Next Steps

8:00 PM

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Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

6:00 PM

Agenda

1. Welcome and Opening Remarks
2. Video Welcome
3. Act 250 Essentials - Background and History
4. Explanation of The Big Deal
5. Community Discussion & Priority Setting
6. Large Group Discussion & Results
7. Closing Remarks and Next Steps

8:00 PM

Close

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Wednesday, September 5, 2018

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

6:00 PM

Agenda

6:00 PM Agenda
1. Welcome and Opening Remarks
2. Video Welcome
3. Act 250 Essentials - Background and History
4. Explanation of The Big Deal
5. Community Discussion & Priority Setting
6. Large Group Discussion & Results
7. Closing Remarks and Next Steps

8:00 PM

Close

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Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

6:00 PM

Agenda

1. Welcome and Introductions
2. ACT 250 Essentials
a) Background & History
b) Key Facts
3. Explanation of The Big Deal
4. Community Discussion & Priority Setting
a) Statewide Perspectives
b) Disruptors: Climate Change and Infrastructure
c) Impact Perspectives
d) Personal Preferences
5. Next Steps & Closing

8:00 PM

Close

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Thursday, October 11, 2018

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

Convene

Review Minutes
Adjustments to the Agenda

10:10 AM

Public Outreach Report Presentation and Discussion

• Paul Dicken, Consultant, Cope & Associates
  

11:10 AM

Act 250 Commission Report Draft Outline

Review and Discussion

• Aaron Adler, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
  

11:40 AM

Land Use Regulation in Other Jurisdictions

• Aaron Adler, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
  

12:10 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Act 194 Recreational Trails Working Group Report

Review and Discussion

• Greg Boulbol, General Counsel, Natural Resources Board
  
• Billy Coster, Director of Planning and Policy, Agency of Natural Resources
  
• Diane Snelling, Chair, Natural Resources Board
  

1:30 PM

Forest Industry

• Greg Boulbol, General Counsel, Natural Resources Board
  
• Sam Lincoln, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  
• Diane Snelling, Chair, Natural Resources Board
  

2:00 PM

1971 County Land Capability Plan

• Beth Humstone
  

2:30 PM

Comments from Advisors

• Daniel Dutcher, Environmental Policy Manager, Agency of Transportation
  
• Cindy Locke, Executive Director, VAST
  
• Sharon Murray, Legislative Liaison, Vermont Planners Association
  
• Brian Shupe, Executive Director, Vermont Natural Resources Council
  

3:00 PM

Commission Discussion

3:50 PM

Public Comments

4:00 PM

Adjourn

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Friday, October 26, 2018

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

Convene

Review Minutes
Adjustments to the Agenda

10:05 AM

Act 250 Findings, Capabilities and Development Plan and Criteria

• Aaron Adler, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
  

11:05 AM

Settlement Patterns Data

Changes since 1970

• Jon Adams, Director, Vermont Center for Geographic Information
  

11:30 AM

Settlement Patterns and the Criteria

• Brian Shupe, Executive Director, Vermont Natural Resources Council
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

An Ecological Perspective: Looking back, Looking Forward

• Bruce Post, Vermont Environmental Historian, Former Director of the Governor's Office of Planning, Research and Corrdination
  

1:30 PM

Administration Recommendations

• Diane Snelling, Chair, Natural Resources Board
  
• Peter Walke, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Natural Resources
  

2:15 PM

Vermont Planners Aassociation

• Sharon Murray, Vermont Planners Association
  

2:45 PM

Commission Discussion

3:50 PM

Public Comments

4:00 PM

Adjourn

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Thursday, November 8, 2018

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

Convene

Review Minutes
Adjustments to the Agenda

10:05 AM

Protecting Important Natural Resources

Vermont Conservation Design

• Eric Sorenson, Natural Community Ecologist, Vermont Fish and Wildlife
  

10:45 AM

Supervisory Authority, Presumptions

• Aaron Adler, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
  

11:15 AM

Vermont Natural Resources Council Recommendations

• Brian Shupe, Executive Director, Vermont Natural Resources Council
  

12:00 AM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Industrial Parks

• Ted Brady, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Commerce and Community Development
  

1:15 PM

Forest Products Industry

• Sam Lincoln, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  
• Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  

1:30 PM

Trails

• Greg Boulbol, General Counsel, Natural Resources Board
  
• Sam Lincoln, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  
• Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  

1:45 PM

Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans)

Exempting Federal-Aid Transportation Projects from Act 250

• Michele Boomhower, Director, Policy, Planning & Intermodal Dev. Div., Agency of Transportation
  
• John Dunleavy, Assistant Attorney General, Agency of Transportation
  
• Daniel Dutcher, Environmental Policy Manager, Agency of Transportation
  
• Ken Robie, Project Delivery Bureau Director, Agency of Transportation
  
• Joe Segale, Policy, Planning and Research Bureau Director, Agency of Transportation
  

2:30 PM

Citizen Input on VTrans Request

• Renee Carpenter
  

2:50 PM

Recommended Changes to Act 250 to Support Accessory on Farm Businesses

• Ari Rockland- Miller, Senior Agricultural Development Coordinator, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  
• Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

3:10 PM

State Designation Programs

Extent to Which Each Designation Ensures Compliance with Act 250 Criteria

• Chris Cochran, Director of Community Planning & Revitalization, Housing and Community Development
  

3:55 PM

Public Comments

4:00 PM

Commission Discussion

4:09 AM

Adjourn

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Thursday, November 15, 2018

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:30 AM

Panel at the White & Burke Vermont Development Conference

Moving Act 250 Forward: Findings and Feedback

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Friday, November 16, 2018

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

Convene

Review Minutes
Adjustments to the Agenda

10:05 AM

Act 250 Exemptions

• Ellen Czajkowski, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council
  

10:45 AM

Draft Report Review and Discussion

• Aaron Adler, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:30 PM

Draft Report Review and Discussion

Continued

• Aaron Adler, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
  

3:30 PM

Public Comments

4:00 PM

Adjourn

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Friday, November 30, 2018

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

Convene

Review Minutes
Adjustments to the Agenda

10:05 AM

Statistical Analysis

• Dan Dickerson, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  

10:25 AM

Review and Discuss Recommendations from Advisors and Decide Which to Include in the Report

Protecting Important Natural Resources
Forest Fragmentation
Promoting Desired Settlement Patterns
Settlement Patterns

11:30 AM

Lunch

12:30 PM

Continue to Review Recommendations from Advisors

3:30 PM

Public Comments

4:00 PM

Adjourn

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Friday, December 7, 2018

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

Convene

Review Minutes
Adjustments to the Agenda

10:05 AM

Update on the Vermont Trails Alliance

• Jamey Fidel, General Counsel, Vermont Natural Resources Council
  
• Cindy Locke, Executive Director, VAST
  

10:15 AM

Complete Reviewing Recommendations for Task Group 4

Act 250 Process
Interface with Other Permitting
Appeals

11:00 AM

Vermonters for a Clean Environment

Regulatory Reform Proposal

• Annette Smith, Executive Director, Vermonters for a Clean Environment
  

11:25 AM

Continue Reviewing Recommendations for Task Group 4

12:15 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Review Draft Report

3:30 PM

Public Comments

4:00 PM

Adjourn

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Friday, December 14, 2018

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

Convene

Review Minutes
Adjustments to the Agenda

10:05 AM

Review Draft Report

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Continue Review of Draft Report

3:30 PM

Public Comments

4:00 PM

Adjourn

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Friday, January 4, 2019

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

Convene

Review Draft Minutes
Adjustments to the Agenda

10:05 AM

Review Final Report

• Ellen Czajkowski, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
  

11:00 AM

Review Draft Legislation

• Ellen Czajkowski, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
  

12:00 AM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Continue Review of Draft Report and Legislation

• Ellen Czajkowski, Law Clerk, Office of Legislative Council
  

3:00 PM

Public Comments

3:15 PM

Adjourn

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