HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-13-18-Special-Meeting-1
Town of Enfield
Special Town Board Meeting and Audit Minutes
Enfield Town Hall
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
6:15 p.m.
Present: Town Supervisor Beth McGee, Town Councilperson Michael Carpenter, Town
Councilperson Mimi Mehaffey, Town Clerk Alice Linton. Town Councilperson Virginia Bryant
arrived at 6:40 p.m. Town Councilperson Becky Sims excused.
Supervisor McGee opened the special meeting at 6:15 p.m.
Privilege of the Floor: No one wished to speak.
Old Business:
Supervisor McGee introduced Matt Johnston who had expressed an interest in the job of Enfield
Town Planner in order to review the proposed Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Johnston introduced himself and gave an overview of his experience. In addition to currently
working as Planner for the Village of Ulysses and Town of Caroline, he serves on the City of Ithaca
Planning Board. He was formerly employed in Washington, DC working with non-profit groups. He
has experience in environmental land use planning and community planning.
Councilperson Mehaffey mentioned there are a lot of challenges in Enfield. Enfield has no zoning,
no water and sewer districts and many low income families. Many residents want to keep the area
rural. Low income, affordable housing and alternate housing development was discussed.
Councilperson Bryant spoke about the importance of a comprehensive plan when applying for
grants. The plan should be used, and not set aside once it is passed. There was discussion on how a
comprehensive plan might work with a solar and/or wind law
Supervisor McGee suggested tasks for a Town Planner would be to review the draft comprehensive
plan as it is now written; provide comments and feedback on the 8 areas in the current draft plan;
and make sure the proposed plan would well position the Town for grant opportunities.
Councilperson Carpenter suggested long-term support by a planner. Hiring a planner would be a
significant step for the Town. He felt there were areas beyond the comprehensive plan where a
planner would be beneficial.
Mr. Johnston replied he would like to continue working with communities, such as Enfield, on a
part-time basis if he were to accept a full time job and time would allow.
Supervisor McGee asked Mr. Johnston, if he were hired, what would his role be and what time
frame would he consider. She would like to see the final plan adopted by the Town Board by the
end of 2018. He felt he could devote time to the plan starting in mid-April. Supervisor McGee asked
if he would be interested in a collaborative effort with another planner. Mr. Johnston stated he would
be open to that idea.
Enfield Town Board Special Meeting, March 13, 2018 2
Supervisor McGee suggested members of the Comprehensive Plan Committee could meet with Mr.
Johnston and ask questions of him while they were finalizing the draft plan.
Supervisor McGee stated the Town Board would be meeting on March 14 and would discuss hiring
a planner. She will get back to Mr. Johnston after the meeting and let him know the Town Board's
decision.
Town Board members thanked Mr. Johnston for his time and interest.
Adjournment: Supervisor McGee adjourned the special meeting at 7:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Alice Linton, Enfield Town Clerk