Meeting Minutes
Sanbornton Planning Board
May 3, 2007
The meeting opened at 7:00 pm with the following members in attendance: Helmut Busack, Chairman; Don Bormes, Vice Chair; Dick Gardner, Member; Andrew Livernois, Selectmen’s Representative; Cindy Merchant, Alternate; Carmine Cioffi, Alternate and Bob Ward, Town Planner.
1. Role Call
As listed above. Absent were: Ralph Carter, Member and Peter Dascoulias, Alternate.
2. Seating of Alternates
Cindy Merchant was seated for Ralph Carter.
3. Action on Minutes
None.
4. Old Business
a. Review and possible changes to amendments proposed and discussed regarding
Subdivision Regulations at Public Hearing on April 26, 2007.
Bob Ward suggested that the Board should go over the Subdivision Regulation Amendments which were proposed at the Public Hearing on April 26, 2007 and consider any revisions. Andrew Livernois stated that the Board should move slowly on the substantive changes which were proposed. He further stated that he sees no problem with the minor amendments which were for clarification or grammatical changes. Cindy Merchant suggested using a public survey so that the Board could review responses prior to another public hearing. Bob Ward stated that a lot of similar questions will be included in the survey for the Master Plan having to do with land use. The specific points of concern can be included in that survey. Andrew Livernois stated that he agrees with the idea of a survey. This
will give a better assessment as to the public’s views. He further stated that he feels the major points to be addressed are Appendix B & C for road design standards and feels that input from the Fire Department and the Road Agent are appropriate. Bob Ward stated that he has reviewed the proposed road design standards with John Hubbard, Superintendent of Public Works, who generally finds them acceptable with two exceptions. Cindy Merchant suggested holding a separate Public Hearing on each issue. Dick Gardner stated that anything that can be done to get public opinion is good. Several members of the Board made suggestions as to how to get the survey out to as many citizens as possible such as a bulk mailing, placing surveys at the Town Offices and having a table set up at the Town Meeting and on voting day. Bob Ward stated that the Board might consider adoption of all non-controversial elements and leave out the issues of dead-end roads, private roads and Appendixes B
& C. Andrew Livernois suggested having Bob Ward take the first cut at the proposed Subdivision Regulations for the Board to review. The focus can then be on the controversial issues and how to get public input. Mr. Ward further stated that no additional public hearing would be required to adopt the clarification and grammatical changes previously proposed. Chairman Busack made a motion to have Bob Ward re-do the Subdivision Regulation Amendments leaving out the issues of dead-end roads, private roads and Appendixes B & C for the Board to review, seconded by Andrew Livernois. All in favor, motion passed.
5. New Business
a. Discussion Re: Letter from NH DES concerning NH Rivers Management & Protection
program.
Bob Ward explained that he had received a letter from NH DES concerning the NH Rivers Management & Protection program. This letter was sent to all Towns in the Pemigewasset River Watershed. Mr. Ward asked the Board what action they would like to take regarding this. Chair Busack stated that the Board has taken no action in the past as there are special provisions in the Zoning Ordinance concerning this. Bob Ward stated that DES is asking that Towns in the watershed appoint representatives. Andrew Livernois stated that the Board of Selectmen had received the same request and have asked for volunteers. There has been no response.
b. Review press release re: proposed amendments to Zoning Ordinance.
Bob Ward presented the Board with a proposed press release which will be submitted to the newspapers prior to the public voting on the amendments at Town Meeting. Dick Gardner asked if it was an article for the papers or a press release. Bob Ward stated that he included much more information in this release due to the fact that the release issued for the Subdivision Regulations led to misconceptions, this one gives a lot more information for the newspaper editor to draw from. Andrew Livernois made a motion for the Town Planner to submit the proposed release to the papers, seconded by Dick Gardner. All in favor, motion passed.
6. Other Business
a. Joint meeting with ZBA and Historic District Commission regarding zoning amendments
and updates to the zoning map.
Bob Ward stated that an e-mail invitation had been sent to the Chairman of both the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) and the Historic District Commission (HDC) to attend this joint meeting but both have responded that they are unable to attend. The purpose of the joint meeting is to review the proposed zoning amendments with the ZBA so there can be a better understanding between the boards as far as reasoning behind the proposed amendments. and to review errors to several zones on the Town’s zoning map. The HDC was invited to review the zoning map and discuss errors in the boundaries of that district. Bob Ward further stated that there are several errors with zoning district boundaries on the zoning map that need to be addressed. He stated that all of the
commercial zones have errors. There are also errors in road names and the northern boundary of the Historic District is questioned as well. Chair Busack asked if any members of the ZBA were present, there were none. Phil Bodwell stated that he is an alternate on the HDC and was invited to come to the table for discussion concerning Historic District boundaries. Bob Ward stated that it is critical that all zoning district boundaries are correct. The southern boundary of the Historic District is the Town Line, Eastern is Parsonage Brook, Western is the Interstate, these are all clear and not in question. The Northern boundary is the issue that needs to be resolved. Phil Bodwell stated that the information he has is that the northern boundary was a stone wall north of the cemetery that went straight down to Route 132. This is only word of mouth and the Zoning Ordinance has no description at all. Dick Gardner suggested checking with the Lakes Region Planning Commission to see what they
have regarding this information. Bob Ward stated that the earliest zoning map he found (1962) does have dimensions but these would need to be researched. Town Meetings from that time forward would need to be researched to see if there was ever a vote taken to adjust those. Dick Gardner suggested asking the residents in the Historic District if they have any information which could be helpful. Andrew Livernois stated that this issue may have to go to Town Meeting if nothing is found to establish definite boundaries. Chairman Busack made a motion for the Town Planner to research for an update to the Town Zoning Map beginning with the Historic District, followed by the Commercial Zone and proceeding from there as time allows, seconded by Carmine Cioffi. All in favor, motion passed.
b. Interview Evelyn Auger re: appointment to Planning Board as alternate member.
Chair Busack asked Evelyn Auger to describe her intentions for this request. Evelyn Auger stated that she is a member of the Conservation Commission and the Planning Board currently has no representation from the Conservation Commission. She further stated that the Conservation Commission had taken a vote and asked her to apply. Andrew Livernois stated that Evelyn had previously served on the Planning Board. Mrs. Auger stated that she had served on the Planning Board for a total of 23 years. Carmine Cioffi expressed his concerns regarding this appointment stating that Mrs. Auger had previously left the Board with no notice. He further stated that he felt that she would not work well with the other members of the Board due to animosity issues. Carmine asked if the position for
alternate had been advertised as he knows some individuals who wish to serve. Dick Gardner stated that the Planning Board needs a representative from the Conservation Commission. Discussion followed regarding a personal e-mail from Evelyn Auger to members of the community stating her opinions of several members of the Board as well as planning policies which have recently been under discussion with the Board. Mrs. Auger stated that it was a private letter with her opinion and does not feel that it is right for the Board to hold ill will regarding this as everyone is entitled to their opinion and this letter was not intended for public scrutiny. Andrew Livernois stated that this is an interview, not a debate and requested that questions to Mrs. Auger be posed professionally. Cindy Merchant stated that her reservation in appointing Mrs. Auger is that there is already some degree of dissention amongst the Board in regards to very out spoken members. There seems to be more than one
chairman already and feels that Mrs. Auger is also very out spoken so this could lead to a lot of problems. Dick Gardner stated that having a representative from the Conservation Commission is a plus. Evelyn has a lot of knowledge and history and feels for those reasons she would make a very strong member of the Board. He further stated that ultimately, the decision lies with the Board of Selectmen as the Planning Board can only provide input to the BOS for that decision. Don Bormes stated that he feels Mrs. Auger would be very biased and feels that it is an issue that she had previously left the Board high and dry. He further stated that he does not feel comfortable with her appointment. Chair Busack stated that he had previously requested being the liaison between the Planning Board and the Conservation Commission. He further stated that he did not feel he could work with her due to her walking away from the Board in the past. Chair Busack stated that he does not feel it would be
a good fit for Mrs. Auger to be appointed to the Planning Board. Andrew Livernois stated that the goal is to heal divisions in the Town and to heal the past. He urged the Planning Board not to let the past get in the way of their decision. Mr. Livernois stated that he objects to anybody using historical fights from the past as a veto. He further stated that he will explain to the Board of Selectmen the Planning Boards reasoning. Discussion ensued regarding the personal letter from Mrs. Auger. Dick Gardner made a motion for the Planning Board to advise the Board of Selectmen to recommend Evelyn Auger as an alternate to the Planning Board, second by Andrew Livernois. Yes – 2, No – 3. Motion failed. Bob Ward stated that he will submit the result of the interview in writing to the Board of Selectmen.
7. Planners Update
Bob Ward stated that he had received a letter from the New Hampshire Housing Authority inviting the Planning Board to attend a meeting on May 23, 2007 to discuss housing related matters. He stated that he has the information if anyone is interested.
Bob Ward stated that he had a heads-up for the Board regarding the May 17, 2007 meeting.
1. Ms. Majiea will be attending the meeting for a pre-application, non-binding discussion concerning a 107 acre subdivision on Eastman Hill Road.
2. There is a packet regarding the Thompson case which needs to be reviewed.
8. Meeting Adjourned
Andrew Livernois made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Dick Gardner. All in favor, motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 9:20 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Carole Chase
Recording Secretary
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