DRAFT
MEETING MINUTES
SANBORNTON PLANNING BOARD
January 3, 2008
The meeting opened at 7:07 pm with the following members in attendance: Helmut Busack, Chairman; Don Bormes, Vice Chair; Steve Ober, Selectman’s Representative; Carmine Cioffi, Member; Evelyn Auger, Alternate; and Bob Ward, Town Planner.
Roll Call
As listed above.
Absent were: Dick Gardner, Member; Peter Dascoulias, Alternate; Cindy Merchant, Alternate and Terry Lewis, Alternate.
Seating of Alternates
Evelyn Auger was seated for Dick Gardner.
Action on minutes
1. Regular meeting of December 6, 2007
Carmine Cioffi made a motion to accept the minutes of December 6, 2007 as presented, seconded by Evelyn Auger. All in favor, motion carried.
Old Business
1. Review and consideration of “RULES OF PROCEDURE”
Bob Ward explained that as far as he can tell the original “Rules of Procedure” were adopted by the Planning Board in 1988 although there may be records that pre-date, but none were obtainable. He further stated that the current format of the document is difficult to follow and suggested changing the format to a standard technical writing format. Minor changes were made to sections 1 through 3, C to clarify and better define them. The Board will continue its review of the “Rules of Procedure” at the next workshop meeting.
2. Status report on Master Plan
Bob Ward explained that the MPAC meeting for January has been rescheduled to January 15th due to a conflict with the New Year’s Day holiday. The meeting will be held at the Life Safety Building due to a conflict with the Budget Committee meeting. He further explained that the survey did not go out in November as originally planned due to unforeseen time constraints. The survey release date is slated for the end of January. Mapping work for the Master Plan was formally approved by the Planning Board to be done by LRPC, however, Mr. Ward explained that Cartographic Associates is also currently being looked at to see which company will better suit the needs of Sanbornton at this time. There is a meeting scheduled for January 17, 2008 with both Cartographic Associates and
LRPC so that a plan can be made to suit the Master Plan needs.
3. Update on 2007 Edition of Zoning Ordinance
Bob Ward explained that the process of incorporating the missing amendments into the Zoning Ordinance is now 100% complete and the press release relating to this matter was issued today. The newly revised copy of the Zoning Ordinance is now available on the Town’s website as well as hard copies, which can be obtained at the Town Offices. Chair Busack requested that hard copies be made available to the Planning Board members as well as alternates by the next scheduled meeting.
New Business
1. Review of National Fire Protection Association fire protection standards as applicable to Sanbornton Subdivision regulations.
Carried over until reply from Attorney Bernie Waugh is obtained.
2. Consideration of requesting Sanbornton Conservation Commission to review and comment on all subdivision and site plan applications.
Bob Ward explained that this would bring the Conservation Commission into the loop for subdivision review and site plan review in much the same way as the DPW, and Fire Departments are now involved. This would come into effect when a large subdivision is being reviewed so that the Conservation Commission may comment on easements or other issues pertaining to natural resources and land conservation. Chair Busack commented that this is of major concern in areas that are designated as land bridges for wildlife and the Conservation Commission can provide substantial insight into these issues. All agreed that the Conservation Commission should be notified when these issues arise. Discussion followed as to when the Conservation Commission should be brought in. Suggestions included
having the Applicant contact the Commission prior to any non-binding discussions with the Planning Board so that the Planning Board would be aware of any issues to be dealt with prior to plans being drawn up. It was decided that a joint meeting with the Planning Board and the Conservation Commission to work out the details would be extremely useful and Evelyn Auger suggested that the joint meeting could include discussion of other innovative ways in which to protect “rural character” rather than to divide land in ways that create cookie cutter” lots.
3. Discussion on possible amendments to Zoning Ordinance
Bob Ward explained that it is time to start considering proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance for 2008 Town Meeting. Preliminary discussions can begin now to allow ample time to draft amendments and hold public hearing. The first topic to consider is incorporating the new Comprehensive Shoreline Protection Act (CSPA) into the Zoning Ordinance. Currently, Mr. Ward is waiting to receive a set of rules from NHDES relative to CSPA. The next topic for discussion is a unified set of definitions that will apply to the Zoning Ordinance as well as the Subdivision Regulations and Site Plan Review Regulations. There are also map corrections that need to be made to ensure accurate delineations of zoning district boundaries. Mr. Ward pointed out that there are no current height
restrictions for buildings in the Zoning Ordinance. This issue should be addressed as it has a direct relationship to fire regulations and safety. Mr. Ward further explained that Erosion Control regulations in the Zoning Ordinance should be pared down and transferred to the Subdivision Regulations and the Site Plan Review regulations. Bob Ward also stated that multi-family housing units need to be better defined as it now refers to two or more units while State and Federal regulations refer to three or more dwelling units. Lastly, Mr. Ward suggested adding a section on administration into the Zoning Ordinance as the Code Enforcement Officer handles the administrative duties.
Mr. Ward suggested that the Board consider allowing accessory apartments in the zones where single-family residences are allowed. The issue of in-law apartments was discussed and the need to identify and verify such units was stressed. Chair Busack suggested that verification of a family member residing in the unit should be done and that once the unit is no longer occupied by family a new tax rate on the unit should be assessed, as it then becomes income property.
Adjournment
Chair Busack made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Carmine Cioffi. All in favor, motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 9:15 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Carole Chase
Recording Secretary
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