PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
October 28, 2009
APPROVED:
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AGENDA: PRESENTATION OF THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN FOR 2010 WORKSHOP – PROPOSED ZONING CHANGES
ATTENDING: Dan Paradis (Chairman), Don Milbrand (Sel. Rep.), Murray Campbell, Janice DellaCroce, Denice DeStefano, Clay Dingman
Alternates: Steve Favorite
ABSENT: Elizabeth Seeler (Vice Chair, Vacation)
Alternates: Tom Babcock (leave of absence), Don Martin
OTHER: Steve Carter and David Hill (CIP Committee)
The meeting opened at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Favorite sat in for Ms. Seeler.
Presentation of the 2010 Capital Improvements Plan (CIP):
Mr. Campbell, who is also the Chairman of the CIP committee, explained that the plan is for items worth $10,000 or more or have a shelf life of 3 years or more. The committee takes annual visits to various Departments and then interviews the managers of each again. The Dept. heads submit any changes from the previous year and anything that is new. We then review what has been presented, and place it on a priority system. The committee attempts to keep the bottom tax line relatively even from year to year. You shall see that the 2010 plan exceeds the 2009 plan due to items that were deferred, equipment breakdowns, and new items added. We do not include the School Board or the Water/Waste Water capital projects at this time. One item that is new is road paving. This has been deferred many times and we get further behind.
Mr. Campbell then addressed the plan:
Police: Two new cruisers have been asked for 2010 so as to get back on schedule (1 cruiser a year). Mr. Campbell mentioned that Alexandria now has a new 4 x 4. Recommended this year are a 2010 4 x 4 to replace the 2003 and a 2010 Ford to replace the 2006. We have two 2007 cruisers and it is recommended that the best one be replaced in 2012 and the other in 2011. The 2008 to be replaced in 2013.
Mr. Favorite asked about setting a limit on the amount of money. Mr. Campbell explained that these go out for bid. Mr. Favorite asked about a ceiling on cost of repairs. Mr. Milbrand explained that costs are not up to the committee. We are to take whatever is submitted and place it on the plan.
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CIP PRESENTATION, Police continued:
Mr. Hill mentioned that there was a statement about the Chevy Tahoe and Mr. Campbell agreed and said that we are suggesting that it be either a trade-in or go to another Department that could still use it; whichever proves to be the best value.
Public Works:
Mr. Campbell explained that all vehicles, except for the Vacuum truck, are used for plowing.
3 6-wheel dump trucks: These have a 15 year life expectancy and are scheduled to be replaced in 2013, 2018, and 2023.
3 1-ton trucks: These are really Ford F550’s. They have a 6 year life. The 2007 model – it is suggested that $35,000 into a capital reserve account each year in 2013, 2014, & 2015. Replace in 2015. The 2009 model – place $52,000 into capital reserve in 2014 and 2015. Replace in 2015. The 2002 model - possible replacement by a ¾ ton in 2011. These are used to clear parking areas, in the field and for beach maintenance.
Backhoe: This needs replacing in 2010. The life is measured in hours and is at 10,000 hours which is the usual life span. We put in $15,700 worth of repair last year and the front drive shaft fell out this year. The Highway Dept. has talked with the makers and with other towns and has done a lot of their own in-house repairs. We are suggesting that the $90,000 be financed over two years by a lease/purchase.
Grader: This piece of equipment is old (30 years) but still operates. It is used on dirt roads. If all of Bristol’s roads are paved near term, this will be replaced by a rubber tire excavator, which is more economical.
Vacuum Truck: Has a 20 year life and is due for replacement in 2016. We suggest $50,000 in a capital reserve in 2013 with $50,000 annually from 2014 through 2016. The truck is routinely contracted out and is a source of revenue.
Sidewalk Tractor: Has a 10-year life and to be replaced in 2015.
Sand & Salt Sheds: We need a plan of the transfer station before replacing these. The current sheds have broken beams and supports. The State purchases the salt and sand and we have to store it. We suggest $10,000 annually from 2013 for a 2016 replacement.
Road Paving: Mr. Bucklin has set up a new 5-year program and we suggest $150,000 in 2010 with $300,000 thereafter to keep on schedule.
Ms. DellaCroce asked why this is now on the CIP. Mr. Campbell answered that most items will come to the CIP eventually. Mr. Paradis added that it meets the criteria. Ms. DeStefano pointed out that the narrative and the graph for the Sand & Salt sheds are not showing the same date; is it 2012 or 2013? Mr. Campbell stated that it should be 2013. He added that this will allow time to get the overall approved plan for the transfer station. Mr. Hill mentioned that, by including road paving in the CIP, a contingency fund would be kept in tact instead of being borrowed, as in the past.
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CIP continued:
Water/Wastewater:
Water Storage Tank: A study is being done for another water storage tank to equalize the pressure in downtown. It was given a priority 5. A most recent grant is for improving equipment at the well head (Storm well) and a pumping station. It is adequate for the time being.
Mr. Hill asked if water will need to go with the sewer expansion. The Board felt that water is already in most of the areas, though it only goes to Red Fox along Lake Street.
Fire Department:
SCBA Compressor: This has a priority 1 as the present compressor died. It was very old. We are presently dependent on Franklin at the moment. The cost is $40,000 for 2010. A grant has been applied for to offset the cost (Mr. Milbrand said that it is a 50% grant).
Engine 4: It is a 1989 and scheduled to be replaced in 2014 at a cost of $300,000. We suggest starting a capital reserve fund of $75,000 a year for 5 years, through 2014. The life span is 20 years. The cab and the rear chassis twist causing undue stress on the tank and chassis. There is a new rule in which the men must be seated, which needs to be complied with. This vehicle goes out on every call.
Engine 2: Has a 25 year life and is scheduled to be replaced in 2031.
Ambulance 1: 5-6 year life span. It is a 2000 Ford with $130,000+ miles. It is the reserve unit going out on the second call or if the other ambulance is already out on a call. They hope to just replace the van on the 5-6 year schedule and the chassis on a 10 year time span. We suggest $75,000 a year (2010, 2011, & 2012) in capital reserve and to replace in 2012.
Ambulance 2: (10 year life) is a 2006 and to be replaced in 2017 at a cost of about $280,000.
Ms. DellaCroce asked about revenues generated or offsets. Mr. Campbell stated that we do not know these figures. He added that the vacuum truck has reimbursement also. Ms. DellaCroce felt that it would soften the blow if revenues were shown. Mr. Hill said that the Fire Chief would be happy with the cab if just the chassis can be replaced. Mr. Campbell said that this is under study.
2 Hydraulic Tools: These are to be replaced in 2015 and in 2017 (1 each of these years).
Parking Lot Paving: To be done in 2011.
Suburban: This is a 2002 with a 10 year life and is the command vehicle. It is to be replaced in 2012 at $40,000.
Fire Station Remodel: The station is filled to capacity at the present time and the Forestry vehicle has to be stored at the Old Fire Station. There are now 3 women employees which require other than unisex areas. We suggest a capital reserve of $20,000 in 2015 with $50,000 a year from 2016 through 2019. It is an on-going study.
Substation: This is long-range planning and needed at a time when Bristol expands.
Generator: An item that has been long overlooked. In the case of a power outage, the Fire Station is the emergency center. We have given this a priority 1 and to be purchased in 2010 for $40,000. A grant for this has been applied for.
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CIP – Fire Dept. continued:
Rescue 1: Given a priority 5. It is a 1993 with low mileage. The present use is being restudied.
Forestry Truck: 50 years old.
4 x 4 Pickup: New item with 10 year life and used to transport personnel and for training, etc. These last 3 vehicles are under study and they may decide on 2 vehicles instead of 3.
Town General:
Transfer Station: $25,000 was appropriated in 2008 and, after adopting single stream recycling, has $21,000 remaining. This can be used for the design to submit for DES approval. We suggest $50,000 for this project in 2012.
Communications Upgrade, Sunsar Towers: This is $58,000 in 2012 for equipment to be moved to the new cell tower and for new equipment. We are to receive $53,000 from Sunsar Towers. It will create revenue to the town and rental of town property.
Old Town Hall: Presently housing TV equipment. It is an historic resource in the Master Plan. It has several needs: the roof leaks, siding in back needs replacing, breather windows for underneath, and the safe has sunk through the floor. It should either be fixed or sold. We are recommending $35,000 in 2010 for the roof and other critical repairs.
Master Plan Update: This is required every 5 years by the State. The Planning Board hoped to revise one section a year but has had no time to do so. Professional help is needed. Full professional help would cost about $60,000. We are looking for $15,000 in 2011 & 2012 for volunteer help working with Lakes Region Planning Commission. This has been backed off a couple of times.
Avatar Software: Recommending $9,000 in 2010 and in 2011 as reported by the auditor. Mr. Dingman asked if this is a closed system or will be posted on line. Mr. Campbell answered that it will be confidential but for those with a need to know. Mr. Milbrand added that it is to make Assessing and the Tax Collector compatible.
Mr. Dingman asked if the public will be informed. A discussion followed in which it was determined that this is an in-house solution. Mr. Carter reminded those who had questioned that it is not up to us to decide the type of things or their costs. Ms. DeStefano asked if the intent is to put it on the web site. Mr. Dingman felt that it should be. Mr. Campbell said that it is ever changing. He read the memo from the Tax Collector for this software request.
Mr. Carter stated that the area of the town that is neglected is our buildings. We need to ask the townspeople what they want. Mr. Paradis said that this is why we need a Building Needs Committee. Mr. Campbell added that we are getting more information out to the public. New members to the CIP committee ask new questions. We need an all-encompassing building program. Mr. Carter added that, if you look at the CIP report, you wouldn’t know that the Police need more room.
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Improvement Projects:
Downtown: We held the Charrette and have been seeking State grants with TAC and TE. We are just 1 of 11 in the Lakes Region section of the State. We had a score in the top 4 for DOT but came in late. Recently we have resubmitted and scored a 2. The top 3 now go to the next level. We shall need $99,400 in 2010 if we are selected. This will be an 80/20 grant. If we do not get the grant, the CIP committee would like to see $20,000 in 2010 to use as “seed” money (to show the town’s serious intent).
Mr. Favorite stated that we have now moved up to #1 and he is hoping that the State will see us in the same way. A total of 80 have applied throughout the State. This comes up every two years.
Library: Needed for expansion and code compliance. In 2009, we set aside $25,000. The patronage and programs have continued to increase. Next year, the Library celebrates 125 years. Seed money is needed. We recommend $25,000 annually into a capital reserve account until the addition and repairs are done.
Water Street/Recreation Path: The Charrette addressed this and suggested a river walk along the Pemmigewasset River. We are requesting $10,000 in 2010 for an Engineering Study.
Mr. Hill felt that it would be better to use the money to re-do the bridge and then have volunteers work on the path. Mr. Carter stated that we need an engineered plan first. A discussion followed in which it was felt that the bridge is a repair job and would not need a plan. Mr. Paradis suggested that a small amendment be made to this stating that the $10,000 in 2010 is to get this started.
Mr. Favorite mentioned that Nov. 5th is the Central St. Bridge official opening.
Avery Crouse Beach: Put in as a priority 3.
Mr. Paradis stated that there are a couple of changes to be made to the plan: to match the verbal and graph on the sand & salt sheds, the wording change for the Water St./Recreation Path. Mr. Carter also mentioned that E450 needs to be on the paper.
D. DeStefano made a MOTION, second by C. Dingman, to ENDORSE THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN AS AMENDED. The motion CARRIED.
The Board commended the committee for doing a good job.
Energy Assistance:
Mr. Campbell mentioned the letter of request from Michelle Bonsteel, Land Use Officer, on energy assistance. The committee agreed and accepted the draft as proposed. Mr. Paradis stated that it is asking for free services but was all due Sept. 25th.
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Energy Assistance continued:
D. Paradis made a MOTION, second by D. Hill, to ENDORSE THE LETTER AS SUBMITTED BY E-MAIL. The motion CARRIED.
Minutes of October 14, 2009:
The minutes were amended as follows: Page 5, 1st line, following “required” insert “for lots over one acre”. 2nd paragraph, 5th and 6th lines, delete the sentence “Mr. Paradis added that …..”.
M. Campbell made a motion, second by D. DeStefano, to approve the minutes as amended. The motion carried.
WORKSHOP:
Zoning Changes:
Mr. Paradis distributed zoning changes for sheds, wetlands, and steep slopes and asked everyone to familiarize themselves with these for our next meeting. As to Building Codes, Mr. Paradis stated that the Selectmen are to have two public hearings on their own in regard to this. This will conflict with that of the Planning Board. The State law requires the Planning Board to do all Zoning amendments. We need to look over the 2007 amendment that we had drawn up and determine if it needs changes. Mr. Milbrand stated that he will speak with Paul Fraser, Chairman of the Selectmen, in this regard.
Mr. Paradis mentioned the letter received from Mike Farrell, which he feels that the Board should look at. The premise is that anything unbuildable today would not be allowed. Maybe we could change to less than ½ or so many square feet for these non-conforming lots which were subdivided years ago. Ms. DellaCroce suggested going by the number of bedrooms. Mr. Milbrand preferred a % of structures on the lot. Mr. Paradis stated that a problem could arise if we said 10% of the lot could be constructed and then they come in each year to do 10%. He felt that Mr. Milbrand’s suggestion of a % of the lot might do better. We allow vertical expansion, he added.
Mr. Dingman asked about a chat with the ZBA. Mr. Paradis would like that. He felt that it would be nice if they would approach us with problems they see. Mr. Dingman suggested that we invite the Chairman to come to our next meeting. Mr. Paradis agreed that he would like to hear from her. Ms. DellaCroce and Mr. Milbrand were concerned about our running out of time. Mr. Paradis would like to hear from the Chairman first. Mr. Dingman will ask her to our November 11, 2009 meeting.
Nov. & Dec. Workshop Meetings:
Mr. Paradis explained that our workshop meeting for these months fall on Nov.25th just before Thanksgiving and Dec. 23rd, before Christmas. He stated that the 3rd Wed. of the month is usually open and suggested that we change the dates to Nov. 18th and Dec. 16th. The secretary will look into these dates.
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WORKSHOP continued:
Site Plan process and application: Ms. DeStefano distributed copies of what she and Ms. Bonsteel have been working on and asked that the Board review them and get back to her on any changes needed. There is a sample Site Plan Application attached. The secretary mentioned that she has to get advertising and abutters notices out 15 days before the hearing and needs a 5 day time span to accomplish this. Ms. Bonsteel needs to see them previous to that.
CORRESPONDENCE:
The LGC Fall publication catalog was looked at and will be held in the office for awhile. Mr. Paradis read the DES reply and Ms. Bonsteel’s memo to the Town Manager in regard to Swiss View and their fence. Copies of the previously mentioned letter from Mr. Farrell had been given to the Board. The Fall Source will be held in the office along with the Oct. 2009 Town & City. It was noted that Nov. 9th is the 1st date for petitions to be brought to the Board.
REPORTS:
Historic District Commission: Mr. Dingman stated that they did not hold an Oct. meeting. The next meeting will be Nov. 10th.
Selectmen: Mr. Milbrand stated that the Central St. bridge opening will be Nov. 5th but he wasn’t sure if it would be at 3:00, 4:00 or 5:00 pm. He will get back to the Board on the time. The Smith River bridge is going along okay. The Selectmen have determined to meet the 1st and 3rd Thursdays for Nov. and Dec.
Capital Improvements Plan Committee: Mr. Campbell stated that our next meeting, besides presenting the 2010 plan to the Budget Committee on Nov. 16th, will be after the March town meeting. He will have printed copies of the 2010 plan before Nov. 16. He then gave the secretary the schedule for the meetings to be held in 2010 to check out.
Next Meeting: No hearings are scheduled. We shall hold a workshop and have the ZBA Chairman come in.
With no other business, M. Campbell made a motion, second by C. Dingman, to adjourn at 9:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jan Laferriere, secretary |