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SPENCER – The Planning Board on August 19 gave the go ahead for Town Planner Vivian Poplawski to post a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a consultant to review Spencer’s zoning bylaws and subdivision regulations.
Poplawski explained the goal of the review is to identify any contradictions in different sections of the document; clarify where language is confusing; provide updates as needed; and ensure the content complies with state regulations.
Both the Board of Selectmen and Zoning Board of Appeals reviewed the RFP and it was just awaiting the Planning Board’s approval, she explained.
Lauren Vivier, the previous town planner, received a $50,000 grant from the Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for this purpose. However, when Spencer was without a planner following Vivier’s departure, the project was continued for a year.
Town Administrator Jeff Bridges reminded the board it had previously allocated $12,500 from the revolving fund for this study.
Bridges said rather than using a previous consultant or firm, the RFP would broaden the pool of applicants and “get a fresh set of eyes on these things.”
When asked if there are strings attached to the state funding, Bridges replied that as with any grant requirement, the town must produce the product the money is spent on.
Planning Board member Shirley Shiver asked if the municipal vulnerability preparedness plan would be referenced in the review. Poplawski said she could add in the 2018 version of that document, noting that a new one is under development.
Speaking on that, Poplawski explained a two-year project funded by the state to investigate climate vulnerability in Spencer and identify projects that could “improve resiliency to climate change.” (The planner referred to the project as Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness 2.0).
She said the state wants the focus to be on equity as well as vulnerable groups. Poplawski said outreach events and workshops would be conducted and geared to elderly and low-income residents, for example.
The project’s purpose, she said, is to “come up with ideas about the different problems people are experiencing related to effects of climate change and develop solutions.”
Although the planner said the state does not want communities going into the effort with preconceived ideas, as an example, Poplawski referred to algae blooms across Massachusetts people are seeing because of increased heat.
For planning purposes, a core team will be formed, comprised of municipal staff and community volunteers with connections to vulnerable groups.
Poplawski said once the planning process is complete, the state guarantees $50,000 in funding to implement one of the identified projects.
She asked the board to choose a representative to serve on this team, a commitment requiring about 85 hours per one year.
Member Charlie Bellemer volunteered to serve. Earlier in the meeting, Bellemer said he would be the Planning Board representative on a committee looking at building and property re-use in town.
Bridges noted that group would be meeting in early September to review the Cherry Street Fire Station RRP.
“It’s interesting to me because of the number of buildings downtown (for possible re-use), Bellemer said.
Bellemer also said he could assume the role of running the meetings in the absence of the chair and vice chair.
“You’re just a man on fire,” Bridges joked with him, adding they should get him a cubicle at Town Hall given how much he is undertaking.
The Planning Board postponed the re-organizing of the board with the selections of a chair and vice chair until the next meeting on September 16.
Member Gina Beford was absent and members wanted a full board present for those votes.
