MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE VIENNA
PLANNING BOARD HELD DECEMBER 17, 2025
NOTE: This was a make-up meeting as the regularly scheduled November and December meetings were cancelled in view of the holidays; another “make-up” meeting had been scheduled for Dec. 10 but was cancelled due to severe weather..
The meeting began at 7:00 PM at the Town House. Regular members present were
Waine Whittier, Creston Gaither, Alan Williams, Ed Lawless, and Tim Bickford. Alternate member Steve Trehu was also present.
Creston had advertised this meeting as a public hearing for the proposed Commercial Solar Facilities Ordinance. Residents Stanley Webster and Joshua Markham were present for that. The public hearing began at 7:05 PM.
It was said that the 50 foot road setback seems insufficient. Stanley also asked how the installations would be assessed for taxes. He was advised that the usual assessment process would have to suffice.
Josh said he’d rather see no commercial solar installations in Vienna at all, citing Farmington as an example of their visual impact.
The visual impact section of the ordinance was discussed and it was agreed to leave it unchanged.
Comments made by Lidie Robbins of 30 Mile Watershed Association regarding the Swifts’ revegetation plan were reviewed and discussed. It was agreed to table the discussion of this plan until January. Waine will invite Lidie to join us for that meeting.
Kay Van Woert’s email of December 5 about the Swift parcel on Whittier Pond was reviewed and discussed. It suggests that the Planning Board should make a better effort to note State Shoreland Zoning requirements that may be stricter than Vienna’s. It was noted that the State signs off on our ordinance whenever we revise it.
It was noted that the Swifts’ revegetation plan has more “recommendations” than requirements. It was agreed that Board members should better familiarize themselves with the plan.
Steve reported on a recent MMA workshop he attended and said it was excellent. He completed the FOAA training offered.
The meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM.
Creston Gaither, secretary