PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
April 22, 2009
APPROVED:
______________
AGENDA: BOYD SMITH, Newfound Lake Region Association
CIP CANDIDATE – DAVID HILL
WORKSHOP
ATTENDING: Dan Paradis (Chairman), Donald Milbrand (Sel. Rep.), Janice DellaCroce, Denice DeStefano
Alternates: Murray Campbell, Steve Favorite
ABSENT: Elizabeth Seeler (ViceChairman - away) Clay Dingman (work trip), Jerry McGwin (deceased)
Alternates: Tom Babcock (leave of absence), Don Martin
OTHER: Boyd Smith (NLRA), David Hill (CIP Candidate)
The meeting opened at 7:00 pm. Murray Campbell sat in for E. Seeler and Steve Favorite for Clay Dingman. Mr. Paradis expressed his thanks to Jerry McGwin post-humously. The members feel his loss.
CIP CANDIDATE – DAVID HILL
Mr. Paradis stated that Mr. Hill lives at the corner of Pikes Point Road and Route 3A. Mr. Campbell added that Mr. Hill lived in Chester, serving on several Boards and committees (Master Plan Study, ZBA, Checklist and advisor, Voter Registration, Computer study). He has lived in Bristol 4 years and served on the recycling committee, was instrumental in recommending the ballot counting machine and Hemlock Brook erosion control. He now has an interest to serve on the CIP committee (Capital Improvement Program). Originally we expected to ask him as an alternate but now, with the passing of Mr. McGwin, would like him as a regular member. Mr. Campbell recommended Mr. Hill for the position. Mr. Campbell also explained that Mr. Milbrand was ill last night and that Steve Carter’s Mom had a stroke in Florida and he left to go to her. Because of this, we did not have a quorum last night.
Mr. Milbrand asked Mr. Hill if he has any idea of what the CIP does. Mr. Hill answered in the affirmative and felt that it is similar to the State highway plan. Mr. Paradis added that the CIP members explained a lot of what we do while waiting last night. He added that the committee will need updates on the Storm Center and Mr. Milbrand intends on doing that later this evening. Mr. Favorite stated that Mr. Hill is not afraid to speak up and he attends town meetings showing that he is a participating resident. Mr. Paradis felt that he is physically responsible.
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CIP CANDIDATE continued:
S. Favorite made a MOTION, second by M. Campbell, to APPROVE DAVID HILL AS A MEMBER OF THE CIP. The motion CARRIED.
BOYD SMITH, NEWFOUND LAKE REGION ASSOCIATION (NLRA)
Mr. Smith was introduced and he distributed handouts and placed a map of the watershed area on the wall. He explained that the Watershed Master Plan is in the process of being re-written. They have a draft of the work that has been done over the last couple of years and are looking at resources in the watershed; what is needed to maintain a high quality of life. There are five towns involved with 95% of the land and 99% of the people. The towns are Alexandria, Bridgewater, Bristol, Groton and Hebron.
Mr. Smith is looking for input from the towns. The NLRA is in a draft review phase and expect to work intensively the next couple of months, then will slow some with an expected Sept. release time.
They request comments.
Mr. Smith further explained that the various Master Plans for this area are similar in like things as they are now. According to an intensive Plymouth survey, the top priorities are: to keep the value of the water, all love trees, forests, and wild life. The common thread is that we like what we have. The Zoning Regulations are guidelines to reflect the Master Plan but there is a big disconnect in this area. 65% of the area is developable. Two acre lots are not conducive to having forests. Changes are small on a yearly basis, but they are slowly growing. Mr. Smith predicts that there may be 5,000 houses added in the area by 2010.
Mr. Smith next mentioned that they have a Science-based Policy and Planning Tool kit. This consists of Master Plans and Regulations, Demographics and Growth Trends, Water Quality of Streams and Lakes, Public Opinion Surveys, and Forest Management, Land Conservation, Wildlife, and Geology. At the rate we are going, Mr. Smith envisions lost growth and jobs if our water quality goes.
The NLRA is to have two volumes: the first volume will have the Master Plan, Background on Demographics and Growth, a list of threats, and then the recommendations. It will include tools: Land Use Planning Guides in electronic format. This is meant to be a tool kit for the towns in the watershed area. The second volume will have the survey questions and the answers given. Mr. Smith expects the next draft to be available in early May on their web site and ask the towns to look at this and give them feedback. They will hold a public meeting on June 15th, place to be determined, and he encourages all to come.
Mr. Paradis agreed that the NLRA is providing a lot but it is another thing for the Planning Board to digest and act on. We have just done a draft taken from our Smartgrowth audit. We also have a long and on-going process for Zoning Changes.
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BOYD SMITH, NLRA continued:
Mr. Smith stated that the next phase is how to implement. He has talked with DES (Dept. of Environmental Services). Perhaps we need a shared Planning professional and will get further information in smaller amounts so as not to overwhelm the Boards. Mr. Paradis felt that it would be good if there was money to get the aid of professional people. The trick is in having the Zoning Ordinance to match the Master Plan. Ms. DellaCroce added that we don’t want to combat the other towns either. Ms. DeStefano felt that a shared Planner would help with that. Mr. Smith stated that it would be less than 5 things to do with what the NLRA has now.
Mr. Paradis stated that we have tried to consider cluster housing and have had no time to really work on it. Mr. Favorite asked what the State is doing to help. He sited the salt content around the Lake. Mr. Favorite added that Denver and Boulder, Colorado both used pure sand and now they are using a de-icing material. Mr. Favorite has seen boats with barnacles on them being put into our lake. They go in when no-one is around. They also need a septic tank policeman to get to know where all the tanks are. They do not seem to be taking their part seriously. The vegetation from the foot of the lake and out to Mayhew is disappearing. Mr. Favorite mentioned that Seattle and the Cape have found salt to be the big problem. Fred Short of UNH worked on salt water problems similar to this. Mr. Smith stated that he talked to Dennis Ford and they have tried to cut the use of salt by 30%. Mr. Favorite then asked where the salt is coming from. Mr. Smith said that water quality should be a focus and what should be done. Buffer strips is one solution, he added.
Mr. Paradis suggested that NLRA prioritize perhaps 3 things that the Board could focus on. Mr. Smith questioned if the towns can slow growth. Mr. Paradis felt that this is only done in emergency situations. We need professional help. There is only so much that the Board can do. Mr. Favorite stated that we look at the Shoreland Protection Act and said that a buffer around the Lake is vital. Mr. Paradis stated that Bristol’s shore is built up already and we deal mostly with re-doing/expanding issues. Mr. Favorite said that we don’t want to always address an issue after the fact but to do it before. Mr. Paradis felt that we might get back to working on impervious surfaces. Ms. DellaCroce reminded everyone that we did address these issues some with the new elderly project. Mr. Milbrand added that they are using porous pavement as a result.
Mr. Paradis thanked Mr. Smith for coming in and speaking to us. Ms. DellaCroce asked what the various colors stood for on the map he had brought in. Mr. Smith explained that the dark green were the conservation lands, purple for the aquifers, yellow is the ridgeline.
Mr. Paradis asked about the second survey that he has heard about. Mr. Smith stated that they are putting it together now. This is to assess communication and to help plan the steps to implement. It should come out in June or July.
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PCC: JEFF PEARSON, FOLEY OIL CO.
Mr. Pearson had new plans to show the Board, stating that it is not the final copy. He is asking what else is needed and to clarify a couple of things. Mr. Paradis began with the need of the list of waivers. He felt that they need to re-do the checklist with the new plans. The Board agreed. The names of the abutters that changed need to be on the plan. Mr. Pearson showed the various State permits that he has (these cover item #19). He will get a copy of the letter from the State for the water test that they did.
Item #6 is in note 4. Mr. Paradis explained that the district is VC not CV. He added that the Zoning Ordinance lists these. #7 is in note 3. #16 in note 11. #17 is on the plan and in a note. There are 15 parking spaces shown, not including the area at the pumps. In the list of waivers, it should say #15 not #16. #29 needs to have the printing removed. Snow removal area must be shown. #33 is in note 10. Mr. Foley had a question in regard to lot 31: this is for the land for the building that holds two owners. He added #31 to the lot numbers of each owner. The Board felt that this is fine.
Mr. Pearson said that he is to redo the fire system and pointed that out on the plan. Ms. DeStefano asked if they do a certification and was told that they do this yearly. Mr. Pearson then asked if he should label the checklist 1 & 2 differential. Mr. Paradis felt this to be a good idea: label checklist 1 with those numbers and then checklist 2 with the ones under it. Mr. Pearson stated that he will supply the missing items by May 5th as he will be on vacation next week. The Board mentioned that he might need a statement for the hours of operation. Mr. Favorite asked about lighting and Mr. Pearson answered that there will be no changes.
MINUTES OF APRIL 8, 2009:
The following amendments were made:
Page 3, Historic and Downtown, 2nd line, change “Izzard” to “Izard”. Page 4, TAC, 3rd paragraph, last line, replace “site” with “sight issues”. In the next paragraph, 4th line, change “Izzard” to “Izard”.
D. DeStefano made a motion, second by M. Campbell, to approve the minutes as amended. The motion carried.
CORRESPONDENCE:
The Board had received the copy of the letter to Douglas Voelbel from Michelle Bonsteel in their packets tonight. An ad for books is to go into the circular file. A copy of a letter to Frank Smith Jr. from Michelle Bonsteel was read.
REPORTS:
Historic District: In Mr. Dingman’s absence, Mr. Paradis read the e-mail that Mr. Dingman had sent.
Their last meeting was held last week. A hearing for TD Bank regarding signage was continued at the request of the applicant. Mr. Milbrand asked to continue to May 12th his PCC regarding directional signage. Mr. Dingman sent him photos of a couple of signage examples. We discussed the design signage and Bernie Waugh’s comments and Mr. Dingman volunteered to make the modifications that he recommends and resubmit them to the Commission at the next meeting.
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Historic District Report continued:
Mr. Dingman continues to make the text updates to the non-inventory section of the Historic section of the Master Plan. Mike Izard has located the original inventory sheets in Microsoft Publisher format and sent them to Mr. Dingman this morning. He has yet to review what condition they are in.
CIP: Mr. Campbell stated that they did not hold the last meeting due to having no quorum. Mr. Hill had come in to express his interest in joining us. Our next meeting will be held May 19th.
Selectmen: Mr. Milbrand stated that the mica building is still the main issue. They are addressing the Gilpatric junkyard. They are also starting the formation of an energy committee – PSNH contacted them about upgrading and having less poles. Mr. Paradis asked if the committee will go into a broader energy use as well. Mr. Milbrand felt that they will. He continued his report by saying that they are to get 1.2 million dollars for a pumping station from the Storm Center and for upgrades to the Center. Mr. Campbell said that he understood from Paul Weston, Town Manager, that it includes a water tank. Mr. Paradis questioned why the CIP has not been told of this. Mr. Campbell had sent Mr. Weston a bunch of questions and Mr. Weston asked him to come in and talk with him. Mr. Campbell will report on this at the next meeting. He asked Mr. Milbrand if he has heard anything on the Smith River embankment project from DES. Mr. Milbrand stated that DES is not happy with the rip rap planned. Mr. Campbell asked if Nancy has signed off on the Burough Rd. bridge. Mr. Milbrand stated that the old bridge is being looked at for the 3rd time to see if there is any historic value to it. Mr. Milbrand is upset with this.
SMARTGROWTH:
Mr. Milbrand expressed his thanks to Ms. DeStefano and Ms. Bonsteel (Land Use Officer) for their work on this. Ms. DeStefano felt that the Board needs to prioritize implementation of this. Mr. Paradis agreed and felt that maybe we need to talk to the Selectmen and ask them about the need to fund it. He asked Mr. Milbrand to try to get a sense of how the Selectmen feel about it. We are probably looking at $10,000 to start. Mr. Milbrand stated that he will give the Selectmen copies of this report. A discussion followed in regard to cluster housing and lot sizes. Mr. Paradis stated that the trend is to do small cluster housing. He added that Max Stamp gave him a large book on Innovative Land Use but he hasn’t had time to go through it as yet. Ms. DeStefano would like the input of the Selectmen and to ask how they can help us and what tools are available to us.
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PRE-HEARING ISSUE:
Mr. Campbell asked if anything can be done to ease the burden of hearings for the Planning Board. Mr. Paradis felt that Ms. Bonsteel has this function. Ms. Laferriere explained that, often the applicants only listen to what they want to hear. They tell the Planning Board what is their interpretation and, when she asks Ms. Bonsteel, she finds that what she told them is far different. At the moment, with the four hearings coming to the Board in May, most are still in need of things. Ms. Bonsteel has asked several times and, in one case, Ms. Laferriere has asked 3 times for the checklist as well. We still do not have it. Ms. Bonsteel plans on making up a list of all that is needed and will give us a copy so as to know that the applicant has been told. Ms. DeStefano asked to have the Planning Board review the list before Ms. Bonsteel begins giving it out, just in case we think of something that she hasn’t. A discussion was held as to what an applicant understands when told they can use an old site plan and just update it. Ms. DellaCroce suggested that we do a workshop for TV for this. Mr. Paradis feels that this function needs to be in Ms. Bonsteel’s hands and that the applicant should be told not to expect things to get done all in one night. Ms. DeStefano added that they should be told that the better they are prepared, the process will go through quicker.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS:
Mr. Paradis will talk with Mr. Dingman about the Historic section of the Master Plan and Mr. Milbrand will speak with the Selectmen.
Mr. Favorite asked about a replacement for Mr. McGwin. He suggested that Mr. Campbell fill this role and that the Selectmen could then look for more alternates for the Board. The Board was unanimous in recommending Mr. Campbell to be the regular member. Mr. Paradis expressed that we do need alternates as Tom Babcock has taken a sabbatical, Don Martin doesn’t come most of the time, and Mr. Favorite is to move once his home is sold.
NEXT MEETING:
The next meeting will be held May 13th with 4 Site Plan Hearings: Foley Oil Co., Douglas Voelbel, Freudenberg NOK, and Maryann Parkhurst.
With no other business, D. DeStefano made a motion, second by S. Favorite, to adjourn at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jan Laferriere, secretary