HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-08 CPSC Final Minutes Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee
Zoom Hybrid Meeting
Meeting Minutes 160
January 8,2024
Approved: February 5,2025
Committee Members Present: Chair Ann DiPetta, Karl Klankowski, Mo Klein, Elizabeth Weatherby,Alison
Weaver, Diane Cohen,Tai Basilius
Committee Members Present on Zoom: Katelin Olson
Committee Members Absent: Roxanne Marino
Quorum Present
Comp Plan Consultant Present: Matt Horn
Town Staff Present: Niels Tygesen
Town Staff Present on Zoom: Mollie Duell
Proceedings
Chair Ann DiPetta called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm at the Town Hall.
Approval of Past Minutes
Motion: Klein motioned to approve the amended December 4 meeting minutes; Klankowski seconded.
Vote: Chair DiPetta, aye; Klankowski, aye;Weatherby, aye; Weaver, aye; Cohen,aye; Klein, aye; and Basilius,
aye.
Motion Carried.
Privilege of the Floor
Motion: Klein motioned to close privilege of the floor; Klankowski seconded.
Vote: Chair DiPetta, aye; Klankowski, aye;Weatherby, aye; Weaver, aye; Cohen,aye; Klein, aye; and Basilius,
aye.
Motion Carried.
Old Business Items
Results of Focus Group#3:Capital Facilities& Utilities,Transportation,and Community
Well-Being
Horn shared the results from the focus group discussions.A group of around 10 participants identified
strengths and weaknesses.Strengths included the library,state parks system,and schools. Identified
challenges and weaknesses included accessibility to water and sewer, a lack of community spaces and places
for teens, and few options for childcare, healthcare, and employment within the Town. Problems with
housing were discussed,focusing on the lack of housing, age of homes, and threats from short-term rentals.
The age of the population is shifting as less young people move to the area. Desired transportation
improvements included more trails, public transport, options for non-motorized transit, more EV
infrastructure, and car shares.
New Business Items
Priorities Discussion (SWOT)for Capital Facilities& Utilities,Transportation, and Community Well-
Being
The committee participated in an exercise identifying strengths,weaknesses,opportunities, and threats.
Weatherby spoke about recent efforts to restart an Ag Committee and the difficulty in sustaining
participation;she would like feedback from the agricultural community about these issues. Horn noted a
variety of transportation needs had been identified by committee members. No car share exists in Ulysses
and the reason is believed to be challenges with insurance. Other identified strengths include the nursery
school and library.
Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 2
January 8, 2024
Weaver mentioned the severe nationwide decline in EMS personnel,acknowledging this is also a problem
locally. Issues with aging infrastructure include undersized culverts.Water quality is a challenge throughout
the Town for those relying on wells. Discussions indicated that more restaurants are desired since on some
days everything is closed. Klankowski spoke about the possibility of transitioning lakefront septic systems to a
sewer system.Weatherby spoke about challenges with creating water districts;funding relies on residents
who are willing to share the costs.The committee agreed that power reliability is generally ok but certain
areas are weak. Broadband access is improving. Discussion ensued on feelings of community in the town.A
communal space and outdoor recreational space are desired. Additional mentioned threats included
declining lake health and lack of volunteerism.
Next Steps
The drafts for 3 sections are in development and will be ready for review soon.The sections are for
Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change,and Resilience.The next priority discussion(SWOT) is
about Rural Issues and Land Use.An upcoming public forum will allow residents to participate in the exercise
the committee just completed.
The next CPSC meeting is February 5.
Member Reports
Klein said there was good attendance at Winterfest. Klankowski said it was good to have help from high
school students.
Motion: Klein motioned to adjourn;Cohen seconded.
Vote: Chair DiPetta, aye; Klankowski,aye;Weatherby,aye;Weaver, aye; Cohen,aye; Klein, aye; and Basilius,
aye.
Motion Carried.
Meeting adjourned at 7:00 PM.
Mollie Duell
Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Secretary
Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 2
January 8, 2024