DRAFT
MEETING MINUTES
SANBORNTON PLANNING BOARD
February 7, 2008
The meeting opened at 7:03 pm with the following members in attendance: Helmut Busack, Chairman; Don Bormes, Vice Chair; Dick Gardner, Member; Evelyn Auger, Alternate; Cindy Merchant, Alternate; and Bob Ward, Town Planner. Peter Dascoulias, Alternate (joined meeting at 7:45 pm)
1. Roll Call
As listed above.
Absent were: Steve Ober, Selectman’s Representative; Carmine Cioffi, Member and Terry Lewis, Alternate.
2. Seating of Alternates
Cindy Merchant was seated for Carmine Cioffi.
3. Action on minutes
a. Regular meeting of January 17, 2008
Don Bormes made a motion to accept the minutes of January 17, 2008 as presented, seconded by Dick Gardner. All in favor, motion carried.
4. Old Business
a. Master Plan status report
Bob Ward explained that the Master Plan Survey release has been delayed due to hold ups at the Post Office regarding the formatting of the business reply mail. Bob Ward stated that he had previously contacted the Planning Board members via e-mail to request input regarding the folding and sealing of the surveys. The original estimate from Staples did not include this production component and will be an additional $250 - $300. Cindy Merchant stated that the Post Master had spoken to her and stated that there may be alternative methods of mailing out the surveys which could be more cost effective. Bob Ward stated that he will check with the Post Master next Tuesday to inquire about any alternatives available. The Board discussed the expense of having the surveys folded and
sealed as opposed to doing it on a voluntary basis. Dick Gardner made a motion to authorize Bob Ward to expend the additional funds to “out source” the folding and sealing at the copy center, seconded by Don Bormes. Dick Gardner – yes, Don Bormes – yes, Cindy Merchant – yes, Helmut Busack – no. Motion carried.
Bob Ward stated that a follow up meeting with Lakes Region Planning Commission and Cartographic Associates is scheduled for next Thursday in regards to the Base Map. After that meeting there should be sufficient information to reach a decision regarding who will prepare the Town Base Map.
Mr. Ward explained that the Master Plan Advisory Committee (MPAC) has been working on the Transportation Section of the Master Plan. At the January meeting the MPAC classified the roads in Town by their functions. From this they then began working on a future road system map. Dick Gardner asked what the function of the exercise was. Bob Ward responded that it will help to identify long term planning and management policies for the Town road system and will also serve as an aide to the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Dick Gardner responded that as the exercise stands it seems to be an exercise in futility and he feels that the future road map should be based on traffic counts as many of the roads identified as being collector roads are virtually impassable in condition. Bob
Ward stated that the Road System is the most expensive system which the Town operates as well as the most important system in Town which the Town controls. Dick Gardner stated that he would like to see something more actual rather than theoretical. Bob Ward stated that he will bring the Planning Board’s views back the Master Plan Advisory Committee at its next meeting.
b. Review of NFPA fire protection and road design standards as applicable to Sanbornton Subdivision Regulations
Bob Ward stated that the response received from Attorney Waugh stated that the State Fire Marshall does not dictate to Town’s road design standards. Mr. Ward related this information to Fire Chief DeSilva and also explained the Planning Board’s position on the issue of road design standards. Chief DeSilva took this information to the Fire Marshall and the Fire Marshall does not agree with the response from Attorney Waugh. Chief DeSilva requested an explanation from the Fire Marshall of their opinion and as soon as the information arrives it will be forwarded to the Planning Board members.
c. Discussion of Sanbornton Planning Board support for Building Code
Bob Ward stated that the main advocates for a Town building code are the Fire Chief and the Code Enforcement Officer and would like the Planning Board’s opinion on whether the Board would like to discuss the topic further with them at a future workshop. Chair Busack asked what the Planning Board has to do with Building Codes. Bob Ward explained that the Planning Board is involved in the issuance of permits for buildings on Class VI roads as the Planning Board has to issue its findings and recommendations to the Board of Selectmen regarding them as per NH RSA 674:41. Chair Busack asked to see the State RSA’s at the next meeting. Dick Gardner stated that he would like to know how many surrounding Town’s have a building code. Bob Ward stated that he will obtain
this information and have it available at the next Board meeting. Dick Gardner made a motion stating that at the present time the Planning Board declines to allocate meeting time to the discussion of building codes, seconded by Don Bormes. All in favor, motion carried.
5. New Business
a. Meeting with Sanbornton Conservation Commission re: Subdivision Review and Comment process and Conservation Lands Set-Aside.
Tabled for next Workshop.
b. Discuss interpretation of “Steep Slope Overlay” Zone (map or criteria)
Bob Ward stated that he had found the map of the “Steep Slope Conservation District” overlay Zone (#SP77001). The existing map is very vague and leaves a lot of questions. He further stated that there is a provision for the Planning Board to add areas on a case by case basis. Bob Ward suggested that this section of the Zoning Ordinance should be expanded for better clarification. Dick Gardner asked what the criteria are and how it is figured. Bob Ward explained that it is any area with a dominant slope of greater than 15%.
6. Other Business
a. Review and consideration of Sanbornton Planning Board “Rules of Procedure”.
Tabled until next workshop meeting.
7. Planners Update
a. Correspondence
Bob Ward stated that a letter had been received from Bill Whalen requesting that the amendments which were missing from the Zoning Ordinance be publicly identified. Dick Gardner made a motion to have Bob Ward produce a list of the missing amendments and send a copy to Bill Whalen as well as posting one in the outer lobby for public review, seconded by Don Bormes. All in favor, motion carried.
8. Meeting Adjourned
Dick Gardner made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Don Bormes. All in favor, motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 9:11 pm
Respectfully Submitted,
Carole Chase
Recording Secretary
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