Becket Planning Board
Approved Meeting Minutes
Wednesday , February 9th, 2011
Planning Board Members Present: Gale LaBelle, Ann Krawet, Beth VanNess.
Planning Board Members Absent: Bob Ronzio, Martin Schlanger
Members of the public present: Mark Sottile, Maddy Elovirta, Bruce Miller
Meeting opens at: 7:02 pm
Ms. LaBelle opens meeting and announces that agendas are on the table for anyone who wants them. She advises that the meeting is being held in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40A and the by-laws of the Town of Becket. A decision to issue a special permit requires a minimum of four positive votes from a five member board. The board has 90 days to make a decision after the close of a public hearing and 14 days to file paperwork with the Town Clerk once a decision is made. Any Appeals of decisions can be made only to the court and must be made pursuant to Section 17, MGL 40A as amended, and must be filed within 20 days after the date of filing of the decision with the Town Clerk. Ms. LaBelle concludes with an introduction of the board members present.
Review and acceptance of Meeting Minutes from Wednesday, December 8th, 2010 - Beth VanNess makes a motion to accept meeting minutes as presented, Ann Krawet seconds motion; Unanimous Approval.
Chairperson, Ms. LaBelle establishes the fact that a quorum is not present. Ms. Beth VanNess advises that she is an abutter to 609 Main Street, Becket Country Store. Ms. VanNess advises that it is for this reason that she recuses herself. Ms. LaBelle continues the hearing until Wednesday, March 9th at 7:00 pm, but advises the applicant, Mr. Mark Sottile that if there is any new information he would like to pass on to the planning board for their review, it would be gladly accepted.
Ms. LaBelle asks Mr. Sotille if he has brought any additional information with him that he would like to pass onto the board for their review. Mr. Sotille thanks the board for the opportunity and explains that he does have additional information to pass along ,to include; the proposed hours of operation, number of pumps, to include one for diesel fuel, and three grades of gas. Mr. Sotille goes on to explain that will not be servicing any eighteen-wheeler trucks. At this time, Ms. Ann Krawet advises applicant that he may want to seek legal counsel and at least get a legal opinion on this matter, stating that this may be a public service issue, and wasn’t sure if it would be legal to service some while turning others away. Mr. Sotille explains that they have no
interest in becoming a truck stop, rather they will focus on the local people and serving the Town of Becket. Mr. Sotille explains that he does not have all of the final details at this point , that he was just anxious to get the ball rolling at this point.
Mr. Sotille introduces Mr. Bruce Miller to the board members present, Mr. Miller has been hired by the Sotilles to do the proposed work. Mr. Miller goes on to explain that the tanks are 8 feet with a minimum base of one foot and that they will be in the ground approximately 15 feet. Ms. Krawet asks Mr. Miller how they would handle a leak if they were to have one. Mr. Miller explains that the tanks are double-walled, and filled with a brine solution that is monitored all the time. A float is placed in the tank and would make them aware of any problem that may arise. Mr. Miller adds that the lines are also double walled and made out of non-corrosive materials.
Ms. Krawet asks if they float a bond? Mr. Miller confirms that they have a three million dollar insurance policy. Mr. Miller informs that it is his suggestion that 2 x 2 led lights should be on the canopy. Ms. Krawet asks if the station is closed, will the lights remain on? Mr. Miller advises that when the gas station closes, the lights will not remain on.
Ms. LaBelle asks if any body would like to comment on the proposed project. Ms. Maddy Elovirta asks, When can we start?! Ms. VanNess agrees and states that she feels the same way.
Mr. Miller also confirms that there will be a fire suppression system in place. He also goes on to detail parking; advising that there will be six parking spots and one handicap space in the front as well as five additional spots in the back. Mr. Miller states that the pumps will be on the north side of the building and also details the flow of traffic for the board. Mr. Miller states that he thinks that the property is outside of the actual flood plain and that he will be meeting with the Conservation Commission in the future.
Mr. Miller advises that the restrooms will remain the same . He advises that the pavement around the pumps will be grooved in the case of a spill. Ms. LaBelle asks about the removal of snow and ice. Mr. Sotille states that there has always been plenty of room to push the snow aside, however if it ever became an issue, he would then hire a company to move the snow to the back of the property.
Mr. Miller advises that only the signs required by the state will be up, Mr. Sotille states that he is not requesting any sign of any sort. Mr. Sotille confirms that the property will be landscaped and grass will be planted.
Lastly Mr. Miller explains that they will be handicap accessible and that someone will always be present to help out an elderly customer upon request, confirming that small intercom boxes will be installed in the pumps.
Chairperson Ms. LaBelle confirms that the hearing will be held on Wednesday, March 9th at 7:00pm.
Old Business- Bylaws are briefly discussed.
Budget- Read and Reviewed; Gale advises that she has but in for a $4000.00 budget this year.
Correspondence- Read and Reviewed
Ms. LaBelle introduces Mr. Howard Lerner’s letter to the board. Ms. LaBelle solicits for a motion to appoint Mr. Howard Lerner as an alternate member of the planning board. Ms. Beth VanNess makes a motion to appoint Mr. Howard Lerner as an alternate member to the planning board, Ms. Ann Krawet seconds motion; Unanimous Approval.
Ms. Ann Krawet makes a motion to adjourn the meeting ; Ms. VanNess seconds motion, Meeting is adjourned at 8:00 pm.
Schedule next meeting for March 9th, 2011.
Respectfully submitted,
Heather Hunt
Administrative Assistant
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Gale LaBelle
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Ann Krawet
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Beth VanNess
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