Becket Planning Board
Approved Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, January 11th, 2012
Planning Board Members Present: Gale LaBelle ,Marty Schlanger , Robert Ronzio, Beth VanNess, Ann Krawet, Howard Lerner (arrives at 7:45pm)
Planning Board Members Absent: None
Members of the public present: Karen Karlberg, Mark Karlberg, John Amato, Dorothy Lerner, Jay Schwertzfel, Michael Rhein, Alexander Glover, Harvey Lerner, Mary Alarie.
Meeting opens at: 7: 04 pm
Chairperson , Gale LaBelle, opens the 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.
Approval of Meeting Minutes from December 14th , 2012- Mr. Martin Schlanger makes a motion to approve the meeting minutes from December 14th,2012; Ms. Beth VanNess seconds motion; Unanimous Approval.
7:06 Public Hearing for Mr. Ronald Fortune, Andrews Road, Map 404 Lot 42.3.
Gale LaBelle advises that the planning board has received an email from Mr. Jeremiah Pollard, on behalf of his client Mr. Ronald Fortune. The email is a request to have Mr. Fortune’s public hearing continued until Wednesday, February 8th, 2012. A motion is made to vote on this requested continuance, motion receives an Unanimous Approval from planning board members present. Ms. LaBelle advises that the public hearing will be continued until February 8th, 2012 at 7:00pm.
Informal Discussion- Michael Rhein; Crystal Pond Homeowners Association and Alexander Glover-representing Crystal Pond.
Michael Rhein approaches board members present introduces himself and advises that he is in attendance on behalf of Crystal Pond Home Owners Association to present the continuation of his efforts to restrict the seasonal flow of traffic through Crystal Pond. Mr. Rhein introduces his attorney, Alex Glover to the board members and asks her to make her presentation. Ms. Glover explains that the Association would like to erect a seasonal gate or chain on Big Bass Lane, at its intersection with Wade Inn Road. She advises that this is not a modification of the original subdivision plan and that she has discussed this issue with the Town of Becket’s attorney; Joel Bard. She assures that every homeowner, as well as all safety personnel, as well as any other Town Office, per request would be provided with a key to the gate/chain. She goes on to explain that this problem has been going on for years and is getting worse. Ms. Glover advises that it is not only passenger vehicles that use
this private road as a shortcut, but that delivery trucks do as well. Ms. Glover explains to the board that this problem worsens in the summer months. Ms. Glover further explains that not only does this unauthorized traffic pose a safety hazard, it also is creating quite a nuisance; residents have often witnessed the littering of beer cans, bottles, food wrappers, etc . Ms. Glover finishes by stating that this temporary, seasonal , gate or chain would be the simple solution for the Homeowners Association and that they have already gotten approval from the Fire Chief, the Police Chief and Ambulance Director .
Ms. Glover states that the building inspector has expressed concern regarding this matter and that she has already talked to Town Counsel, Mr. Joel Bard and that he felt that holding a public hearing should be held. Ms. LaBelle states that she too has some concerns, advising that there is no turn around at the end of the road, and also she states that she would be concerned about injuries caused, directly from the chain or cable installed. Mr. Schlanger also expresses concern and states that he would be much more comfortable if they got their own legal advice from Town Counsel. Mr. Schlanger states that his greatest concern would be that the Town of Becket could be sued. Mr. Robert Ronzio whether or not the Association has made the claim to close the road one day a year? Ms. Glover informs him that they
have.
Mr. Mark Karlberg advises that when the community put up the Jersey Barriers, it was deemed a Select board issue, Mr. Karlberg suggests that this too may be considered by the Selectboard. Ms. Karen Karlberg speaks to the fact that there may not be ample space for vehicles to turn around. She states that she has seen many people come down her road and turn around in her driveway, she explains that this is often due to an incorrect GPS, she adds that many times the trucks get stuck while they are doing this.
Lastly, Mr. Mark Karlberg suggests that the Town Administrator should be asked to contact Town Counsel, as well as requesting a letter from him.
Public Participation-
Ms. Mary Allarie, member of the public expresses some concern over Mr. Fortune’s application for a special permit. She explains that she lives behind Mr. Fortune and is opposed to the application until Mr. Fortune is told to clean up his property. Ms. Alarie states the property is very unsightly, stating there are broken down cars, unregistered cars, a camper, tons of trash and that she is appalled that Mr. Fortune is contemplating putting a business in.
Ms. Karen Karlberg states that her concern is the Conboy property on the corner of Rt. 8 and Rt. 20 . She advises that she has noticed a lot of activity over there and that she would like to see the original application for the Special permit. Karen also advises that they are having drainage problems due to the new construction.
New Business-
Ms. Ann Krawet explains that she has reserved a room for Thursday, October 11th, 2012 at 7pm. She explains that a “Get to know your Government” session will be held at that time and she has asked Mr. Pignetelli as well as Representative Mark to attend.
Board members discuss putting in an additional meeting for January 18th at 7:00. Gale asks that the secretary posts the meeting, agenda items are to include a review of the bylaws, as well as looking at the current “fee schedule” and making necessary changes.
Correspondence- Read and Reviewed
Budget- Read and Reviewed
Mr. Martin Schlanger makes a motion to adjourn the meeting , Ms. LaBelle seconds motion: Unanimous approval. Meeting is adjourned at 8:25 pm.
Schedule next meeting for January 18th, 2012
Respectfully submitted,
Heather Hunt
Administrative Assistant
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Gale LaBelle
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Robert Ronzio
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Martin Schlanger
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Beth VanNess
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Ann Krawet
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Howard Lerner
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