BERLIN PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
TUESDAY DECEMBER 4, 2007
Members present: Chairperson Fran Cusson, Lucien Langlois, David Morin, Richard Cassidy, Ralph Collins, Ernie Allain, Richard Merrill, Aline Boucher, Diana Nelson, and Andre Duchesne.
Members excused: Nicole DeCosta, Laura Jamison, and Julie Cooney
Staff: Pamela Laflamme, City Planner
Others present: Paul Cusson, Craig Lyons, Berlin Daily Sun, Jim Wagner, Al McLain, Jay Poulin, HEB Engineering.
Chair Fran Cusson called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. Richard Cassidy was appointed as a voting member for this meeting.
Chair Cusson noted the following changes to the agenda -
Delete Proposed Lot Line Adjustment - Smith & Piet - Review & Feedback: Ms. Laflamme will review alternatives for the proposed lot line adjustment and the board will review at the January meeting.
Public Comments: There were no public comments.
November Minutes: David Morin moved, seconded by Richard Merrill, to accept the November 7, 2007 minutes. Unanimously voted.
Lot Merger - Map 121 Lots 0012 and 0004: Motion by David Morin, seconded by Lucien Langlois, to approve lot merger of Map 121 lots 0012 and 0004, owned by Priscilla Gemmiti, of 539 Willard Street. Unanimously voted.
Conceptual Consultation - Craig Lombard, Map 414 Lot 2 and Map 114, Lot 49: Passed over this item due to gentleman not being present.
Conceptual Consultation continued - Greenova, LLC:
Jay Poulin, of HEB Engineering, gave an update presentation and will be making a formal request to the Planning Board within a month or so for Greenova, LLC on locating a plant in the Industrial Park to manufacture wood pellets. He discussed the road closure issue and other issues such as lighting, noise, etc.
He stated BIDPA has given its approval to close the road on easement currently owned by BIDPA. Industrial Park has outdated covenants and Greenova has asked BIDPA they be removed. He addressed noise and emissions as regards the operations thereof.
Road issue - They are proposing to limit public access in two spots. He reviewed the process of logs, chipping, etc. There will be significant amount of traffic. There will be approximately 1000 tons of wood delivered per day. There will be many trips through this road, could be as much as forty times per day. We need to address this safety issue. The Fire Department has reviewed this proposed road closure and is acceptable providing there is access. Jay stated anyone needing access will get it; they only want to limit access of driving through. This wood pellet operation will run 24/7. Signage was brought up and asked that HEB Engineering provide a plan for appropriate signage.
Ms. Laflamme shared with the board that BIDPA actually voted to support the closure of the road as requested. She told the Board that they could vote on this issue tonight. Ultimately, the City Council will also vote on this request. David Morin felt we should not take a vote until formal request is made by the company.
There was discussion on lighting, whereas the gates will be open twenty-four hours a day. Jay said there would have to be some lights but not overdone. The busier time would be from 6 AM to 10 PM. Ernie stated Public Works would like access for plowing; possibly there could be an electric type door to go through at night. Jay stated the company intends to meet lighting standards as required and that they will work with Public Works & the Fire Department regarding access.
Jay stated that HEB Engineering has been looking into the matter of noise. They will have to go before the Zoning Board regarding noise from chipper as the noise it will produce will be over what is allowed for industrial purposes per the ordinance. They will need a variance to be above 70 decibels as the chipper noise will likely be somewhere around 72-75 decibels at the property lines. The area in which the noise will be heard is directly within the industrial park and directly across the river. The chipper will be mobile. Waiting trucks will always be off the City streets.
Applications for emission approvals have been filed with the State. You will not see any real emissions other than steam. They have also met with the Water Works Superintendent about the proximity to the wellhead protection area. They will heat outside 2000 foot radius and inside 3000 foot radius. Mr. Langlois indicated he is not against the project, but we need to research all phases for everyone's protection in regards to the wellhead area.
Proposed Project - Guardian Angel Credit Union - Review & Feedback:
Jay Poulin, of HEB Engineering, made a presentation for the Guardian Angel Credit Union on a preliminary proposal plan to improve their parking lot and incorporate beautification on their property. They were wondering if a site plan review was necessary. They propose to spruce up their property - resurfacing driveway, creating small parks and walkways. GACU will need to submit a driveway/curb cut permit, but will not need site plan review. The project will be a real benefit for that neighborhood.
Zoning Ordinance - proposed amendment:
Ms. Laflamme proposed an amendment to Section 1701 - Junk Motor Vehicles. Section reads - "no more than one unregistered motor vehicle." She is recommending the word "unregistered" be deleted. This would help the Zoning Officer and the Police Department in enforcing this ordinance. Diana Nelson moved, seconded by Richard Merrill, to accept this recommendation and delete the word "unregistered" in section 1701 - Junk Motor Vehicles. Unanimously voted. This will be brought to the City Council for approval.
Ms. Laflamme stated the matter of decibels and the noise ordinance should be reviewed and how we can enforce same. We need to have better understanding of what noise levels we should have, which is difficult to correlate. We need to fix this problem so we can better enforce the ordinance as currently written. Buffers could be a condition on properties.
Master Plan Update: Ms. Laflamme stated next Wednesday, at 6:30 PM, is our first meeting of the steering committee on the Master Plan update. Meeting to be held downstairs in the City Hall. Jeff Taylor and his group will be in attendance. Master Plan meetings will be held every second Wednesday of the month at 6:30 PM, City Hall.
Public Comments: There were no public comments.
Member Comments: Lucien Langlois asked about the Route 110 status. Ms. Laflamme responded that Federal Highways were still reviewing our proposal.
Lucien Langlois also asked about the East Milan Road on the realignment. Ms. Laflamme the City has met with met with NHDOT and discussed what is could be done. To relocate one of the Public Service poles would cost $200,000.00. NHDOT still want to move the road a bit maybe 5' to 6'. They still have the project in their plans.
As regards the Green Street underpass, Mr. Allain feels it will be complete before Christmas. They still need to do the sidewalk and a few other things.
Richard Merrill asked if State highway funds problem affect our project. Money for the Route 110 project Phase II is earmarked money and cannot be used for any other project; it is likely that the money will not be enough as project costs keep climbing with no additional money being budgeted.
January Meeting: Due to Presidential primary being held on January 8, 2008, the Planning Board January meeting is being changed to Thursday, January 10, 2008.
Planner's Comments: None.
David Morin moved, seconded by Ralph Collins, to adjourn meeting. Unanimously voted.
Respectfully submitted,
Aline Boucher,
Planning Board Member
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