DRAFT
MEETING MINUTES
SANBORNTON PLANNING BOARD
May 1, 2008
The meeting opened at 7:00 pm with the following members in attendance: Don Bormes, Vice Chair; Steve Ober, Selectmen’s Representative; Dick Gardner, Member; Carmine Cioffi, Member; Cindy Merchant, Alternate; Peter Dascoulias, Alternate; Evelyn Auger, Alternate; Terry Lewis, Alternate and Bob Ward, Town Planner.
1. Roll Call
As listed above.
Absent were: Helmut Busack, Chairman; Mary Earley, Alternate.
2. Seating of Alternates
Peter Dascoulias was seated for Helmut Busack.
3. Old Business
a. Master Plan Update
Bob Ward stated that the second mailing of the Master Plan survey to non-resident property owners was mailed on April 30, 2008 with a deadline date of May 22, 2008. He further stated that he had sent the previously approved press release to the three area newspapers stating that all respondents (regardless of which mailing they received) have an extended deadline to return their surveys. Bob Ward stated that 332 surveys have been returned to date which is a 16% return rate.
Bob Ward stated that the rough estimate for the traffic count study is $50 per counter which will total between $500 - $600 depending on the number of counters placed. He further stated that he has spoken to the Town Administrator to see if the cost or partial cost can be covered by another Town department. The proposal is for the cost to be split 50/50 between the Planning Board and the Department of Public Works. This proposal will be brought to the Board of Selectmen. Bob Ward stated that he will continue to explore this proposal with the Town Administrator and is requesting approval from the Planning Board to expend the necessary funds for the study. Carmine Cioffi made a motion to expend not more than $300 for the traffic count study, seconded by Steve Ober. All in
favor, motion carried.
Bob Ward stated all issues with Cartographic Associates and Lakes Region Planning Commission (LRPC) have been resolved. He further stated that the draft of the proposed contract with LRPC will run through the end of the year and will cover the base map and the existing land use map. The contract total is $3,120 with 50% due upon execution. Mr. Ward is requesting approval from the Planning Board to expend the necessary funds to execute this contract. Carmine Cioffi made a motion to expend necessary funds to execute the contract for mapping with LRPC, seconded by Peter Dascoulias. All in favor, motion carried.
Bob Ward stated that tabulations of the Master Plan Survey are moving along slowly. The method for tabulation being used is efficient but time consuming. Mr. Ward stated that he has spoken to Sant Bani and they are very interested in helping with the tabulations.
4. New Business
a. Discussion re: Planning Board procedure in review and approval of tree removal and trimming on scenic roads.
Bob Ward stated that there has been some discussion concerning the Planning Board’s administration of its duties relative to scenic roads. Selectman Dave Nickerson, who lives on a scenic road, has expressed some concerns about how the process works as it can effect property values and the beauty of the roads designated by Town Meeting as “scenic roads’. Mr. Ward stated that the Town is responsible for maintaining a current list of all the designated scenic roads within the Town. The most recent list used by PSNH had two of these roads left off the official list. As a result PSNH will now have to re-advertise and hold another Public Hearing concerning tree work to be done on those two roads. Bob Ward stated that Selectman Nickerson feels that the Planning
Board should take this responsibility more seriously and also make more effort when these applications arise. Evelyn Auger stated that she feels that this is being misunderstood and that the Planning Board can do nothing about the amount of trees and vegetation removed as the State sets those guidelines. She further stated that the owners of property on these scenic roads have the right to ask workers to cut and trim anything they want above and beyond what is allowed. Steve Ober stated that some trees on Oak Hill Road were flat topped. Evelyn Auger stated that this is not the fault of PSNH or the Planning Board as Oak Hill Road was not on the designated list of scenic roads in Sanbornton. Dick Gardner stated that the Public Hearing is the time to stress that Sanbornton is a scenic and rural community. He further stated that he feels that the standard procedure is good and responsible. Steve Ober stated that he will carry the Planning Board’s position back to the Board of
Selectmen.
b. Review and comment re: LRPC “Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy”
Bob Ward stated that this is a yearly request from LRPC requesting a listing of potential economic developmentprojects in Town. Last year the Town Planner, Bob Ward, and the Town Administrator, Bruce Kneur, worked to propose a list of these potential projects. The deadline for the submission is May 9, 2008. Mr. Ward would like advice from the Planning Board on how to proceed. Dick Gardner stated that this could involve substantial work and time and would perhaps be better if it was worked on for next year. Bob Ward stated that the Town may not even qualify for this and further stated that he will begin working on this earlier next year after the Master Plan is in place.
c. Review and approval of LRPC proposal for Traffic Volume Study
Covered in Master Plan update.
3. Old Business
b. Continued review of Planning Board “ RULES OF PROCEDURE”
Section IV, iii, A – G were discussed. Dick Gardner suggested sending out 2 – 3 pages of the document with the meeting packets so that members can be more prepared to discuss this at future meetings.
5. Other Business
Steve Ober stated that one of the articles at Town Meeting will be on whether to allow tax abatements for wind power. This will only abate the structure. The question to answer is how much control the Planning Board will have over these structures. Bob Ward stated that this is reminiscent of Cell Towers a few years ago. A whole new section was added to the Zoning Ordinance in reference to cell towers at that time. Bob Ward will research other Towns for their ordinances regarding wind power structures and will report back to the Board his findings.
6. Planners Update
Bob Ward requested approval of the Planning Board to attend a conference scheduled for Thursday, May 29, 2008 to be held by UNH Professional Development and Training. Carmine Cioffi made a motion to allow Bob Ward to attend the conference, seconded by Steve Ober. All in favor, motion carried.
7. Meeting Adjourned
Peter Dascoulias made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Carmine Cioffi. All in favor, motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:44 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Carole Chase
Recording Secretary
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