Becket Planning Board
Approved Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, July 11th, 2012
Planning Board Members Present: Robert Ronzio, Gale LaBelle, Beth VanNess, Marty Schlanger, Ann Krawet.
Planning Board Members Absent: Howard Lerner
Members of the public present: Mary Ann Concoran ( Hill Engineering), Karen Karlberg, John Amato, Carl Rosenstein, Tom Cercen, Lincoln Bascom.
Meeting opens at: 7: 02 pm
Chairperson , Robert Ronzio, opens the 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.
Approval of Meeting Minutes from June 13th, 2012- Ms. Gale LaBelle makes a motion to approve meeting minutes from June 13th, 2012 , Beth VanNess seconds motion ; Unanimous Approval.
Form A- Mary Ann Corcoran; Hill Engineering , Applicant: Sandra Hoch , Map210 Lot 34.
Ms. Mary Ann Corcoran approaches the board members present and introduces herself as the surveyor representing the proposed Form A. Ms. Corcoron briefly goes over the plans prepared, explaining that the parcel is 3680 Sq. feet, and that it does not have the required frontage or meet minimum size requirement because it is meant to merge with the abutting parcel. Board members read and review plans presented, Mr. Ronzio polls the board for a vote:
Ms. LaBelle makes a motion to approve the Form A as presented, Mr. Schlanger seconds motion; Unanimous Approval.
Gale LaBelle- Approve
Robert Ronzio- Approve
Beth VanNess- Approve
Martin Schlanger- Approve
Ann Krawet- Approve
Board members sign and date approved plan.
Public Participation-
Ms. Karen Karlberg states that she would just like to follow up a bit with last month’s meeting, referencing the Code Enforcer/Building Inspector. Mr. Ronzio reports that it has been brought to the attention of the Select board, however no action has been taken at this time.
Mr. Robert Ronzio next addresses questions and concerns on a possible auction to be held at the Garrity property. He explains that the property consists of two parcels, with a combined total of approximately 29 acres. Mr. Ronzio briefly reviews a little history of the property, but also cautions that the Assessor Maps are not always accurate. Ms. Karlberg suggests that the property should be considered for use as a recreational area, Mr. Ronzio expresses interest in this suggestion as well.
New Business- Wind Turbine Setbacks; Suggested Amendment, Re:Utility infrastructure setbacks.
Ms. Krawet presents some new information regarding Wind Turbines and the proposed setbacks, she reads aloud articles that warn of possible harm that can occur when such setbacks are not large enough. Ms. Krawet also presents testimony from Senator Benjamin Downing , that was presented at a forum that he had recently co-chaired. These reports also warn of the possible dangers of living just outside the ½ mile setbacks of these Turbines ( please see information attached). Ms. Krawet goes on to read the letter from the Attorney General, where he approves the wind turbine bylaw submitted by the Town of Becket. Ms. Krawet states that Gov. Patrick advises that each community has the right to determine the appropriate setbacks, or even determine if such Wind Turbines are appropriate fro their
community. Ms. Krawet makes the suggestion that we should consider increasing the setbacks to a minimum of 1 ½ miles, preferably 2 miles, to ensure the safety of all residents. Mr. Carl Rosenstein, agrees with Ms. Krawet, advising that she has some very good ideas. Mr. Rosenstein suggests that we all get educated on these Industrial Turbines and suggests that everyone watches the documentary, “Windfall”, explaining that it is well worth it and very informative.
Mr. Schlanger reminds board members present that we all went through a very similar learning process with cell towers and that eventually most of the accusations were proven to be false.
Mr. John Amato suggest that since this is such an important topic, and there is so much to be considered, that it may be a good idea to form a sub-group, advising that Ms. Krawet would make a great chairperson for said committee. Ms. Gale LaBelle makes a motion for Ann Krawet to form a sub-committee, in the month of August to discuss these turbines, proposed setbacks, etc. The motion is seconded by Ms. VanNess, Unanimous Approval.
Correspondence- Read and reviewed.
Board members confirm that they have received an application from Mr. Conboy for a special permit. Mr. Ronzio states that at this time, they do have an application filled out by the Conboys, however are waiting for additional information requested. Mr. Ronzio passes around a complete plan, as an example that was used for the O’Connell station in Lee. Mr. Ronzio reviews the example plan with the board members; pointing out the submissions to include: a site plan, grading plan, landscape plan, retaining wall system, sand tank pumping plan, sign plan, pumping plan, lighting plan, elevations (proposed canopy elevations), etc. Board members agree this example is what they consider to be complete and expect a comparable plan from the Conboys. Ms. LaBelle advises that she would also like to see a
traffic study, and stresses the importance of that. Member of the public, John Amato, states that the applicant should be afforded all the same benefits that the other applicants received and that the planning board should act in a timely manner.
Ms. LaBelle makes a motion to send the applicant the documents , that were reviewed and used as an example of a complete package. These documents will serve as an example to the Conboys, as to what will be expected of them in addition to the previously filed application. The motion is seconded by Ms. VanNess, Unanimous Approval.
Budget- Read and reviewed.
Ms. VanNess makes a motion to adjourn the meeting, Ms. LaBelle seconds motion; unanimous Approval. Meeting is adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Schedule next meeting for Wednesday, August 8th, 2012.
Respectfully submitted,
Heather Hunt
Administrative Assistant
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Gale LaBelle
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Robert Ronzio
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Beth VanNess
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Martin Schlanger
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Ann Krawet
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