Milton Planning Commission elects Julie Rutz chair; Ben Frye chosen vice chair, clerk election postponed

Julie Rutz was elected chair of the Milton Planning Commission during the commission's regular meeting on July 7, 2026, in the Community Room at Town Hall. The vote was unanimous after Ben Frye moved her nomination and Sean Tatro seconded.

The Commission also elected Ben Frye as vice chair by unanimous vote (moved by Julie Rutz; seconded by Rich DeSouza). The members voted to postpone the election of a permanent clerk and named Rich DeSouza interim clerk until the next regular meeting; that motion (moved by Ben Fry; seconded by Julie West) passed unanimously.

During member introductions, Frye disclosed that his professional consulting work and his assistance with his late father-in-law's estate could present the appearance of a conflict of interest in some future matters. Frye stated he has no ownership or financial interest in the estate and said he would recuse himself from any matter that presented an actual conflict. Staff noted legal counsel had recommended such disclosures for transparency.

Planning & Zoning Director Amanda Pitts provided an overview of the department's organization and staff responsibilities, listing staff positions including Pitts as Planning & Zoning Director and Zoning Administrator; Vivian Warner, part-time Zoning Officer; Michelle Walker, Administrative Assistant; and Cassandra LaFayette, Town Planner. Staff reviewed available electronic resources for Commissioners and said the Unified Development Regulations, Town Plan, Downtown Core Master Plan and Active Transportation Plan would be distributed to members.

Staff announced a tentative Planning Commission training with Town legal counsel scheduled for August 4, 2026, subject to confirmation, and reminded members to avoid 'reply all' emails about Commission business in accordance with Vermont Open Meeting Law. The Commission set its next regular meeting for July 21, 2026.

The meeting included a farewell to outgoing long-term Chair Tony Micklus, who was presented with a framed Resolution of Appreciation and briefly addressed the Commission about the role of the Planning Commission and the importance of communication with the Selectboard, respectful public engagement, preparation before meetings, supporting staff, and maintaining neutrality and civility in the Chair role.

The Commission postponed approval of the June 2, 2026 minutes because not enough members who participated in that meeting were present to approve them. The motion to postpone the June 2 minutes was moved by Sean Tatro, seconded by Rich DeSouza, and carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6:43 p.m. Minutes were recorded and submitted by Julie Rutz and will be filed with the Milton Town Clerk's Office.