TOWN OF
Planning Board
Meeting Minutes
Members Present Members Absent Guests
Betty Bridges, Chair Charlie Merrill, Associate Bob Zack
Bruce McNaughton, Vice Chair
Kirsten Hepler Don Carroll
Cliff Hatfield Bryan Boggs
Terry Moore, Secretary
Vonnie White, Associate
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Ms. Bridges called the meeting to order at 7:00p.m.
Old Business
Ms. Bridges asked members if they reviewed the April 14, 2005 minutes. Mr. Hatfield made a motion to accept the minutes and Ms. Hepler seconded the motion. All were in favor of accepting the minutes as written.
The Board discussed
Mr. Lake’s resubmitted Shoreland Zoning Permit Application. Mr. Lake was not present nor was Mr. Webber,
their general contractor. All Board
members agreed that the application was complete. Ms. Bridges noted that since there was
already a septic system installed on the property, the Board technically did
not need to review a septic system permit.
Ms. Hepler also noted that Mr. Dalton’s April 14, 2005 letter to the
Board would have been helpful at our last meeting. Ms. Hepler then made a motion to accept the
application and Mr. Hatfield seconded the motion. All other voting Board members were in favor
of accepting the application. Ms.
Bridges checked the Board approval block on the application. Ms. Moore will type a cover letter to Mr. and
Mrs.
Ms. Bridges asked if all Board members reviewed the final draft of the updated Board bylaws. Ms. Hepler made a motion to accept the bylaws as written and Mr. Hatfield seconded the motion. All Board members were in favor of approving the bylaws as written. Ms. Moore will post the new bylaws in the Board official files as well as in any other location required by the Town Office.
Ms. Moore reviewed a completed subdivision file with the Board. It was the first subdivision record that included all the new letters and the financial accounting sheet. Ms. Moore explained that it is important to maintain an accurate accounting of expenses, as the Town Clerk must make a refund to the applicant once the subdivision application process is completed. Costs include postage, copying, and any other expenses associated with the process. Additionally, all expense receipts are kept in a pocket underneath the accounting sheet. This completed application is now filed in the “Closed” subdivision application file. As we found out when Ms. Moore pulled this record out for Board review about three weeks ago, the Town Office had an inquiry about this subdivision and the Town Clerk was unable to provide the requested information. It is important that we return records as quickly as possible. If we remove a record, we need to insert a placeholder in the location of the removed file so everyone knows who to follow up with. The Town Clerk ordered placeholders for future use.
Ms. Hepler spoke with Mr. Dean Bennett, PVCOG, regarding Board actions on water-related issues. Mr. Bennett recommended the following for the Board to consider:
1. Availability of well water: It is sufficient for the Board to request a letter or report from a hydrogeologist or well driller that states water is available. This would be the developer’s responsibility per subdivision application requirements.
2. Issues concerning water quality: The Board needs to consider whether or not there is farmland near the water source, a lack of vegetative cover, and/or different types of soil. However, if a Board member, an abutting property owner or neighbor is concerned, then that is reason enough to request a hydrogeologic assessment, not just a letter or report. Again, this would be the developer’s responsibility per subdivision application requirements. He recommended the Board get soil maps. Ms. Hepler has a packet from the soil conservation department to share with the Board. She will review it for the next meeting.
3. Issues concerning storm water and erosion: Again, Mr. Bennett recommended a similar letter or report from a hydrogeologist. However, if a Board member, an abutting property owner or neighbor is concerned, then that is reason enough to request a hydrogeologic assessment, not just a letter or report. As above, this would be the developer’s responsibility per subdivision application requirements.
Mr. Carroll noted that there has not been much runoff from
the
Ms. Hepler also gave an update on DEP-sponsored training regarding water issues. She spoke with Mr. Jim Byer on March 30, 2005. He expressed an interest in conducting training and shared two names with her. It is possible that other towns could join Stetson. Ms. Hepler will follow up with Mr. Byer before the next meeting.
The Board agreed to open the meeting to Ms. Saulnier and Mr. Zack even though they were not on the previously established agenda. Ms. Saulnier wanted to know how the Land Use Ordinance changes would impact the Pleasant Lake Acres subdivision. Mr. Carroll said he believed that there were about 80 acres classified as “Limited Residential” with a 100-foot setback required, but he recommended that information be confirmed. He also stated that about 20 acres would not be taken out of “Resource Protection” classification. Mr. Carroll recommended that Ms. Saulnier talk with the CEO and then get on the Board agenda again if they had further questions. Ms. Saulnier stated they wanted to make sure they had at least 160 feet of shoreland available to open water. Mr. Carroll again said he thought it was fine, but they should consult Mr. Dalton, the Stetson CEO. Mr. Zack stated that they want to do things right. Mr. Carroll agreed that it would be too costly for everyone not to do it right. Ms. Saulnier and Mr. Zack departed the meeting once their issue was discussed.
Ms. Moore reviewed the correct notation of Shoreland Zoning Ordinance revisions with the Board. All members annotated their copies with the following dates:
Adopted Date: May 18, 1991
Adopted as Amended Dates: May 16, 1992
May 18, 2002
June 1, 2004
Ms. Moore will ensure these dates are added to all Town Office copies. She will also look at the map in the Town Office and document the June 1, 2004 DEP-approved revisions marked in the lower left-hand corner of the map. These revisions will also be shared with Board members.
Board members did
not review the current Establishment of Planning Board ordinance at this
meeting. The ordinance will be reviewed at the June 9, 2005 meeting. All members have a copy, which reflects some
of the Secretary’s recommended changes.
Mr. Carroll and the Board members agree that if there are only
administrative changes, a hearing or approval at a Town Meeting is not
required.
Although not
discussed at this meeting, all Board members should note that the correct
adoption date for the Subdivision Regulation is May 8, 2003. Members need to ensure their personal copies
are marked. Ms. Moore will check all
Town Office copies.
Ms. Hepler made a
motion to adjourn the meeting and Ms. White seconded it. All were in favor of adjournment at 7:42 p.m.
The next meetings
are:
June 9, 2005 7:00 p.m.
Planning Board at Stetson
Library Conference Room
June 23, 2005 6:30 p.m.
Public Workshop at Stetson
Meetinghouse Basement
(Land Use Ordinance)
Every 2d Thursday 7:00 p.m.
Planning Board at Stetson Library Conference Room
Every 4th
Thursday 6:30 p.m. Public Workshop at Stetson Meetinghouse Basement
(Land Use Ordinance)
Please notify Ms. Bridges in advance if you cannot attend a meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Terry F. Moore
Secretary