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Planning Board MInutes 3/9/11
Becket Planning Board
Approved Meeting Minutes
Wednesday , March  9th, 2011


Planning Board Members Present: Robert Ronzio, Ann Krawet,  Beth VanNess, Howard Lerner.
                                                     
Planning Board Members Absent: Gale LaBelle, Martin Schlanger

Members of the public present:  George Roberts

Meeting opens at:  7:10 pm

Mr. Robert Ronzio, standing in for chairperson, Gale LaBelle,  opens meeting and announces that agendas are on the table for anyone who wants them. He 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. Mr. Ronzio concludes with an introduction of the board members present.

Review and acceptance of Meeting Minutes from Wednesday, February 9th, 2011 -  Ann Krawet  makes a motion to accept meeting minutes as presented, Beth VanNess  seconds motion; Unanimous Approval.

Public Hearing Continued- Mark and Kristen Sotille, 609 Main Street, Applicants request a special permit to open proposed new gas station.  Secretary, Heather Hunt, advises that Mr. and Mrs. Sotille had submitted a letter to the planning board requesting a  continuance until the April meeting, explaining that the engineers had not yet had ample time to complete plans requested. Ms. VanNess makes a motion to allow Mr. and Mrs. Sotille  to continue their public hearing until the next regularly scheduled planning board meeting to be held on Wednesday, April 13th, 2011. Ms. Krawet seconds motion; Unanimous Approval.


Old Business-
  • Progress on Wind Turbine bylaws- Town Clerk and member of the public, George Roberts asks if  when three members of the bylaw committee are present if that constitutes a quorum or not. Mr. Ronzio advises that three members does not constitute a quorum. Ms. Krawet advises that the committee is currently looking at sample bylaws that are in place in different towns as well as  ones that have been provided to them by Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. Mr. Roberts suggests that the board should get a hold of the Town of Chester and request a copy of the letter that they received from the Attorney General referencing their bylaw.  Mr. Lerner asks the board if anyone is aware of an individual approaching the Town of Becket regarding large Wind Turbines. Mr. Ronzio confirms, explaining that Mr. Ken Smith has approached the Board of Selectman referencing this matter. Mr. Ronzio goes on to speak of the possible revenue that can be brought in by these turbines. He uses the cell tower , located on Johnson Road as an example. Mr. Ronzio goes on to explain to the board members present that this particular cell tower is located on 5.7 acres. The land  is valued at $43,000.00 and the tower  is valued at $282,000.00, board members briefly discuss the money that will be collected through the real estate taxes as well as the personal property taxes. Mr. Ronzio confirms that the revenue generated through wind energy has the potential to be considerably more. Board members discuss the different broadband possibilities that are also available and some of the proposals that will be available in the future. Board members move on to discuss energy plants and future possibilities that may be available. Mr. Lerner states that South Hadley has their own power company and that the result is lower prices for their residents. Ms. Krawet asks if the Town can be part of the record for unlimited power services? Mr. Ronzio advises that the bylaw is being written and goes over the procedure that it then goes through.

Budget- Read and Reviewed;  Board members briefly discuss the planning board budget and how it works with new member, Howard Lerner.  

Correspondence- Read and Reviewed. Open meeting law complaint decision-detailed description of anticipated topics to be covered; memo from Town clerk, reviewed.


Ms. Ann Krawet makes a motion to adjourn the meeting ; Mr. Lerner  seconds motion, Meeting is adjourned at 8:22 pm.

Schedule next meeting  for  April 13th, 2011.

Respectfully submitted,

Heather Hunt
Administrative Assistant


Signed_____________________________    Date________________
          Robert Ronzio

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          Ann Krawet

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          Beth VanNess

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          Howard Lerner