Sanbornton Planning Board
Meeting Minutes
September 6, 2007
The meeting opened at 7:04 pm with the following members in attendance: Helmut Busack, Chairman; Don Bormes, Vice Chair; Dick Gardner, Member; Carmine Cioffi, Member; Steve Ober, Selectman’s Representative; Peter Dascoulias, Alternate; Mary Earley, Alternate; Evelyn Auger, Alternate; and Bob Ward, Town Planner.
1. Role Call
As listed above. Absent were: Cindy Merchant, Alternate and Terry Lewis, Alternate.
2. Seating of Alternates
N/A
3. Old Business
a. Zoning Amendments: Status & Process
Bob Ward stated that this discussion is pertaining to Zoning Ordinance amendments enacted at various Town Meetings that have not been included in the Ordinance. He stated that he had e-mailed Jim VanValkenberg to make him aware of the situation. Mr. VanValkenberg responded that he is pleased that this project is being done as he has felt that many amendments have not shown up in the Ordinance over the years. Bob Ward asked the Planning Board for guidance as to how to proceed from this point with either a joint meeting with the Zoning Board or he can meet with the Zoning Board personally. Don Bormes reminded the Board that the Zoning Board does not always have regular meetings due to the fact that they do not always have cases to hear. Dick Gardner stated that Bob Ward is
capable of handling this process as it is not a decision making issue. The amendments have already been passed by the voters, they just do not appear in the Ordinance.
Bob Ward stated that this is an opportunity to develop a better working relationship with the Zoning Board. Chair Busack agreed with Dick Gardner stating that no meeting should be necessary, just keep the Zoning Board involved and informed. The consensus of the Board was to have Mr. Ward write a letter to the Zoning Board inviting their comments regarding this matter.
b. Land Use definitions: Zoning vs. Subdivision Regulations vs. Site Plan Review Regulations.
Bob Ward stated he has researched the three sets of definitions and has a list of the conflicting definitions which appear in the three sets of regulations. He further stated that a unified set of definitions for all three regulations would be the optimum solution. This will have to be posed to Attorney Bernie Waugh to see if this is possible in view of the different statutory requirements for amending these various land use regulations.
c. Subdivision Regulations: Status & Process
Bob Ward stated that he has contacted the new Chief John DeSilva, the new chief of the Fire Department and requested a meeting with him to go over the subdivision regulations. After this meeting is held the Board can then revisit the amendments and hold a second public hearing on the Subdivision Regulations. Chair Busack stated that the Sanbornton Department of Public Works also needs to be consulted. Bob Ward stated that he has already met with John Hubbard concerning this. Chair Busack asked to have their recommendations in writing. Bob Ward suggested having the Fire Chief and the Department of Public Works at a workshop meeting to discuss these regulations.
d. Mountain Road subdivision conservation deed review.
Bob Ward stated that the warranty deed for the Mountain Road subdivision still needs to be forwarded to the Board of Selectmen for their signatures. He has reviewed the file with the applicant’s attorneys and found that the subdivision (final plat) had been approved in March of 2006. The warranty deed transfers Lot 10 of the subdivision to the Town. Chair Busack stated that the deed needs to be reviewed the Board of Selectmen at this point. Bob Ward stated that it was a condition of the approval for the subdivision that the conservation land be deeded to the Town. Dick Gardner stated that the Planning Board only intended for the land to go into conservation, not that it was necessary to be deeded to the Town. Chair Busack stated that there are still too many
questions regarding this issue. Don Bormes made a motion to send this to the Board of Selectmen to review, make any necessary corrections and then sign the deed, seconded by Carmine Cioffi. Yes – 3, Steve Ober and Dick Gardner abstained.
4. New Business
None
5. Other Business
a. MPAC update
Bob Ward stated that all Town boards/committees dealing with land use or community development (except the CIP, Cemetery Trustees and Recreation Commission) have appointed a representative to the Master Plan Advisory Committee. He is still looking to get members to serve on the Master Plan Advisory Committee from these three Boards as well as other interest groups. He asked the Board for their input regarding other private or civic interest groups which may be helpful to this process. The Winnisquam Regional School District, Historical Society, Harmony Grange, Farmers Market, Winnisquam Village Association and Mohawk Trail Riders were all suggested as possible members for the committee. Bob will contact these groups.
1. Sanbornton Planning Board Involvement in Master Plan update
Bob Ward stated that the involvement of the Planning Board could be on any one of three levels. The Board could take a leadership role which would involve all members of the Board attending the meetings of the committee. Second, the Board could appoint representatives and act as equal partners on the Committee and third, the Board could take a review and comment approach to this. Bob Ward stated that he feels this will be a once a month meeting and should take from 8 – 10 months at a minimum. The first meeting of the Master Plan Advisory Committee will be on Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at 7:00 in the Town Offices. Dick Gardner suggested giving the committee quite a bit of leeway at first and the Planning Board could be brought in after a few months depending on the
progress of the committee. Bob Ward stated that the statute gives the Planning Board responsibility for this process and further stated that at least one Planning Board member should be appointed to the Committee. Dick Gardner made a motion to appoint Carmine Cioffi as the Planning Board’s representative to the Master Plan Advisory Committee, seconded by Steve Ober. All in favor, motion passed. Bob Ward stated that all meetings will comply with 91A rules as far as postings of agendas and minutes.
Bob Ward handed out examples of the past community survey from 1990 and also a DRAFT of the survey which he has prepared for consideration by the MPAC. He further stated that the first of these documents was provided for informational purposes only and the DRAFT survey will be provided to the MPAC to assist the committee in preparing the final version of the community survey. Bob Ward stated that he is working on a plan to drop off and pick up the surveys at individual residences as this method will likely receive a much higher response rate.
2. Mapping from LRPC
Bob Ward stated that he has contacted Lakes Region Planning Commission to get the cost of mapping for 1” = 1,000’ for base map zoning maps and future land use maps. The current Zoning Map is 1” = 1,320’ which makes it impossible to scale from. He should have the proposal cost by Tuesday, September 11, 2007. He further stated that the cost will include integration of data layers, co-generation
mapping and printing. Dick Gardner stated that we need to find out who owns the original digitized copies to make duplicating more cost efficient.
b. Discussion re: driveway location requirements on subdivision plans
Bob Ward stated that this agenda item was requested by Evelyn Auger. He further stated that the issue had been previously researched and discussed by the Board. He referenced two previously approved plats and stated that the basis for this requirement is to show that on every new lot a driveway location can be found which meets safety and drainage standards. In the regulations, Section B under Plan Requirements #8 it states that the location of existing and proposed driveways must be shown on the plans. This does not mean that future driveways have to be located in that exact place, it simply shows that somewhere on each proposed lot a driveway can be located which meets safety and drainage standards. Evelyn Auger stated that she objects to time being taken from the
Department of Public works staff and also the cost which is absorbed by the tax payer. She further stated that this should only be questioned if the frontage of the lot is in question. Discussion ensued. Peter Dascoulias stated that this seems to be an effort to protect the Town and the subdivider. Bob Ward stated that this is basically the same process as perc tests are for septic systems. The requirement is not a full blown process.
6. Planners Update
1. Bob Ward stated that he had received an e-mail from Terry Lewis stating that he would not be available for Planning Board meetings until December due to previous commitments. The Board has no problem with this temporary absence.
2. Bob Ward stated that he had received a memo from the Town Administrator stating the budget process is beginning and that the Planning Board needs to have this available for the October 2nd deadline.
3. Bob Ward stated that he has received numerous applications for 2 and 3 lot subdivisions. He further stated that the September 20th meeting has 4 pre-application discussions and 2 public hearings scheduled. Don Bormes stated that the number of applicants needs to be limited to a certain amount per session or have time limits set for each one. It was decided that further meetings would limit the number of applicants to be heard and the time allotted to each case. The meeting of 9/20 would have time limits set for each applicant.
4. Peter Dascoulias stated that he would like to commend Bob Ward for the excellent work being done by himself and the secretary Carole Chase. All were in agreement that the work being done by the department employees is exemplary.
7. Meeting Adjourned
Carmine Cioffi made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Dick Gardner. All in favor, motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Carole Chase
Recording Secretary
| 
