Planning Board, January 28, 2014
Planning Board Meeting Minutes
January 28, 2014
Memorial Hall
Members Present: W. Ritter, O. Lies, D. Lindberg, S. Carlson, J. Michalak, T. Stratis
Members Absent: J. Head
Others Present: P. Harding, Town Planner, D. Sciascia, Recording Secretary
7:00 PM: W. Ritter called the Planning Board meeting to order.
7:00 p.m. Oak Hill, Open Space and Residential Design, Subdivision: Amendment to pump station location. Upon review of the sewer extension permit, DEP required the applicant relocate the wet well of the sewer pump station out of the Zone A water protection area. This resulted in shifting the location about 20’ to the east. DPW has reviewed and approved the new location and P. Harding is requesting the Planning Board consider this plan revision as an insignificant change, not requiring a public hearing.
O. Lies said that the Board should notify White Oaks.
O. Lies motioned a deminimus change. S. Carlson seconded. Vote 6-0, approved.
Documents presented during review can be viewed in the Town Planners office.
APPROVAL NOT REQUIRED, Kendall Road, Weyman Lundquist, R-1 Zoning District: The plan is creating one building lot on Kendall Road. The lot is approximately 40,000 square feet with 100’ of frontage. The plan is entitled to endorsement.
D. Lindberg motioned to approve as submitted. J. Michalak seconded. Vote 6-0. Approved.
Documents presented during review can be viewed in the Town Planners office.
2014 GOALS:
Marijuana Treatment Facilities: The Police Chief requested a few weeks to allow time to assign an officer to the marijuana issue due to staffing changes. The current Chief agreed with the initial thought of allowing the facility, by special permit, within the Industrial Park. P. Harding brought a draft of the proposed bylaw to the meeting.
O. Lies thought it was too restrictive to narrow a facility to the Industrial Park. P. Harding stated the bylaw deals with all aspects, dispensing and cultivating. Only 5 per county will be allowed to dispense or grow. P. Harding will get some background information on it. O. Lies would like to see a joint meeting with the Chief of Police. The draft is based on a model bylaw produced by law firm Kopelman & Paige.
LED Lighting: The General Manager of the Light Department, Jim Robinson, has previously investigated the conversion of lights to LED and found it too cost prohibitive. He was going to revisit the issue, stating costs have been declining. He will provide his findings to the Board.
O. Lies said it was time to think about LED lighting for new developments. J. Robinson thought it was an excellent idea, and would be more than happy to pursue this issue.
P. Harding said there is an existing shielding bylaw/trespassing light, but none on actual type of lighting.
S. Carlson believes the Board should also look at commercial lighting. D. Lindberg and T. Stratis agreed.
O. Lies inquired if there were any state guidelines. P. Harding will check other towns bylaws for subdivision and commercial lighting.
The Economic Development Committee: The EDC has a few new members and will be scheduling a meeting soon. Copies of the Master Plan and 418 plan were distributed to the new members for discussion.
Sewer Capacity: Mark Elbag, Water and Sewer Department, is reviewing previous interpretations on remaining capacity. The DCR contract can be interpreted in a variety of ways so there is not one clear answer on the exact amount of remaining sewer capacity. He is preparing a memo.
Sign Bylaw: The Board has a draft of the bylaw with some changes for review. This will be on another agenda. D. Lindberg also added that there is a methodology in measuring signs.
Documents presented during review can be viewed in the Town Planners office.
OTHER BUSINESS:
- S. Carlson would also like to see paving of a street to the end of a lot, as a public safety issue. W. Ritter would like to send a memo to the engineering department requiring base coat to be construction for the entire frontage of all lots to be released as part of the review process.
SUBDIVION UPDATE: The Board reviewed the status of subdivisions.
Documents presented during review can be viewed in the Town Planners office.
NEXT MEETING: February 11, 2014. Marijuana Treatment Facilities and Sign bylaws to be discussed.
S. Carlson motioned to adjourn. J. Michalak seconded. All in favor.
Adjourned 8:10 PM.
January 28, 2014 Minutes approved: