Planning Board
May 4, 2010
Members Present: Chair Francoise Cusson, Members Tom McCue, Ernie Allain, David Morin, Aline Boucher, Lucien Langlois, Sue Tremblay, Greg Estrella, Laura Jamison, Martha Creegan, Richard Cassidy
Others present included, Sharon Gauthier, AVRRDD; Sue Croteau, Councilor Mark Evans, Burke York, Jim Wagner, Andy Hartford, Fraser Papers, Pam Laflamme, City Planner
Chair Cusson appointed Mr. Estrella to a voting member for this meeting. Item 5 Governmental Site Plan Review for a Public Works salt shed was postponed.
Public Comments
City Councilor Mark Evans spoke in favor of the bee keeping initiative saying that he likes the idea of including agricultural initiatives in the urban compact.
Planning Board Minutes
Mr. Morin moved to accept the minutes as presented; Mr. Allain seconded and the motion carried.
Update on Research & Development Project
Jim Wagner explained that the Northern Forest Heritage Park has been working on the research and development building which is part of the park’s vision and strategy. There were 750 patents developed at the research building and it is the park’s vision to see it as a visitor center and to have artifacts associated with the mill available for public viewing.
DES has been helping with environmental assessments and a grant that was applied for has been approved for $200,000 to be used in the next few months. A full remediation of the east side first and second floor is planned and with limited funds, the park can work on the overall façade of the two buildings.
Two weeks ago, the Park was awarded another $200,000. The Park is looking at creating a Gateway to the North Country Interpretive Center. Mr. Langlois confirmed that the necessary easements are being worked on and are currently with the attorney. The State money will be used first and then the Federal grant will kick in.
Mrs. Boucher affirmed that the Visitor Center is slated to open September 1. Mr. Wagner indicated that events held at the park are helping it to survive; it is the community’s park and events held there will fill the need to make money.
Minor Subdivision - Cloutier, Map 120; Lot 67
Mr. Langlois moved to accept the application as complete; Mrs. Boucher seconded and the motion carried.
Ms. Laflamme explained that Jeanne Cloutier has 4 small lots and she would like to divide the property so that it is two lots. Mr. York indicated that the lots are not exactly straight lines because property setbacks needed to be accommodated around the house.
Public Hearing
Chair Cusson opened the public hearing at 6:49 and with no comments, the public hearing was closed. Mr. Langlois confirmed that these are two conforming lots. There is a driveway and Ms. Cloutier wants to maintain lifetime use of the driveway.
Mrs. Boucher moved to accept the minor subdivision with the following conditions:
1. Mrs. Cloutier shall move the shed on her property to meet the new building setbacks;
2. Her rights to the asphalt driveway straddling her original and newly created parcels are limited to the length of her lifetime; Mr. Langlois seconded and the motion carried with all in favor.
Preliminary Site Plan Review of AVRRDD Gas Line Project
Sharon Gauthier, the Executive Director of the AVRRDD explained that they own and operate Mt. Carberry Landfill and have been working to get a landfill pipeline to the mill in Cascade. The pipeline would serve to combine methane with natural gas to serve the mill. The pipeline will start at the landfill and come down the east side and cross to Glen Avenue. Landfill gas will be blended with natural gas at a meter and regulating (M&R) station.
Mr. Hartford stated that the gas will leave the landfill at 1200 lbs of pressure and will come to the meter regulating station and reduce to 100 lbs of pressure. Prior to reducing, the gas will be warmed. The gas combination will be displacing # 6 fuel oil currently used at the mill. The product used to be one that oil manufacturers wanted to get rid of and they would give it away or sell it for a nominal fee. Due to more sophisticated refining techniques there is less of this fuel available on the market and the mill is now paying 1.95 per gallon and using 30,000 gallons per day. Natural gas is half of that.
Mr. Langlois confirmed that the methane should last in 50 years or more and that the whole line will be owned by the district. Ms. Gauthier affirmed that it is a $4.6 million project funded by EDA and CDBG with the District putting up $1.2 million of funding. Mr. Langlois acknowledged that this project will not bring tax revenue to Berlin. It will however, make the mill more marketable. Mr. Cassidy asked if there is an energy rebate involved and Ms. Gauthier noted that the mill will have to upgrade their process and there might be some funding for them but the District would not be involved in that. Mr. Hartford commented that the mill has looked at carbon credits but there is nothing certain for now. Both potential purchasers wish that the gas/methane line was up and running when they buy but that won’t
be.
Mr. Langlois questioned whether the pipeline is big enough for future growth and Mr. Hartford confirmed that it could be used for the future as it is sized for 4000 dekatherms per day. Mr. Estrella asked if there will be any foul smelling odors from the pipeline and he was assured there won’t be. Mr. Morin asked where the pipeline enters Berlin’s geographical boundaries and that a location has yet to be determines. Mr. Morin asked is there would be any physical structures and Mr. Hartford replied that there would be an M & R station and driveway proposed for Devens Street. It will be a totally fenced in pre cast concrete building.
Ms. Laflamme asked if the railroad bridge is a good structure for the pipeline long term. Mr. Hartford stated that it is; however Mr. Langlois questioned the viability of the structure saying that water will run from there as well. Mr. Morin confirmed that wetlands issues have yet to be identified. There will be no water or sewer in the proposed building.
Ms. Gauthier indicated that three agreements need to be work out: one for purchasing landfill gas; the second for operations & maintenance of m & r building and contracts with PNGTS. The landfill will also be looking at contracting with the new owners of the mill. Mr. Cassidy asked if there is a shut off in case of emergency and Mr. Hartford confirmed that there is an auto valve that can be shut off remotely. Ms. Gauthier said that anything having to do with the combined system will be in the M & R building. Mr. Allain stated that the road in may need to accommodate 100 trucks per day; he asked if there will be enough cover to handle the traffic. Mr. Hartford indicated that there has been a concrete slab and turnabout for trucks that was over the tanks and he feels it is sufficient. He
commented that the mill will keep the option to heat with #6 fuel as well as the gas/methane. .
Mr. Estrella asked when the District anticipates starting the project. Ms. Gauthier responded that it is difficult until there is a new owner for the mill. Grant applications will be submitted as soon as there is an owner to name. She added that this is an important project to make the mill viable. Mr. Hartford confirmed that the project is an incentive to buy the place. Mr. McCue established that if the mill were to close, now the facility has improved and is more marketable. Ms. Laflamme reported that the AVRRDD will come back next month for site plan review.
Review Stipulations of Laidlaw Berlin BioPower
Ms. Laflamme reported that there will be a technical meeting tomorrow here at city hall. The stipulations as submitted have no formal place holder with EFSEC because they were not submitted by the interveners. If there are things the board feels strongly about, it would be time to bring it up.
The draft stipulations were compiled by a group of people from all aspects. They can be modified, or deleted.
Appearance Issues
1. Appearance of project. Mr. Langlois made the point that plantings should be guaranteed for a time. Board members agreed saying that the plantings should remain consistent for five years meaning that if trees die, they would be replaced. The board also discussed the desire to see the buildings a neutral color that “appears in nature.”
2. It has been agreed that all utilities will be underground and out of sight. These have to come out from underground around the area of the substation and the Planning Board asks for a drawing of how that will look.
Noise, Air and Water Quality Issues
1. In the discussion of noise, the board discussed whether the decibels allowed should be consistent with City’s ordinance which is 65 decibels or lowered to 55 decibels. Board members felt strongly that the lower level is preferred. More extensive modeling at more locations to get a grasp of the noise levels of higher elevation areas was suggested.
2. Strobe lights instead of beepers. The consensus was that the back up noised of equipment should not be heard off property. The board was willing to entertain an alternative to strobe lights as long as the alternative made no discernable noises outside the property line.
3. After lengthy discussion board members proposed adding an hour of sleep for residents requesting wood fuel deliveries not be allowed between the hours of 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
4. With regard to on site chipping, the proposed language is “there will be no debarking on site.”
5. Change to 55 db
6. No change
7. Truck queuing was discussed at length. There is room on the property for 17 trucks to wait while delivering wood fuel. It will be up to Laidlaw to set limits on the drivers. The board liked the suggestions from the City’s attorney. The board did not decide to take the item further than that. Fugitive dust was thoroughly presented. Clarification is request for a definition of “large quantities”. Mr. McCue asked about spontaneous combustion in the wood chip pile
Truck Traffic Issues
1. Remains the same
2. Delivery times requested 9-6
3. Remains the same
4. Remains the same
Community benefits
1. Riverwalk. There has been work done on the proposed Riverwalk by a subcommittee of the local AVER/EFSEC committee. In reviewing the proposal for the riverwalk Ms. Laflamme stated that the plans the City has are for a walkway that is 10 feet wide And that the fifty 50 feet proposed is more than what is needed. Laidlaw would be responsible for building the Riverwalk including boardwalks over the river where needed. A complete loop is envisioned for the future. It was mentioned that the Planning Board should ask for an additional portion of the Riverwalk along the Heritage Park property to be built as well. There would likely be no access to the Riverwalk during the winter season.
a. ATV trail will be worked out with the State and ATV club.
b. Fencing is a separate issue
c. Landscaping is its own issue – separate from the riverwalk landscaping project
2. After some discussion the board agreed to leave the sponsorship of local events as is.
3. Site tours will be left in the document – leave in.
4. Heating source to encourage development on the site – leave in.
5. Local employment – leave in. Ms. Laflamme indicated this would likely be well covered by the Counsel for the Public.
6. Local wood supply – Mr. Morin suggested including, “Encourage best stewardship practices when contracting for biomass”; other suggestions included that the company will use “sustainable forestry practices of the Timberland Owner’s Association” Ms. Laflamme said that if the board wanted to address this item, it needed to be more specific about what they are actually asking.
7. Community field parking lot was agreed to as a safety issue in the area of the field. Mr. McCue warned that the City will have to assume all liability and maintenance. There was discussion about the entire parking lot being deeded to the City instead of being an easement between the City and Laidlaw/PJPD.
8. Intern program – leave in
9. PILT language – strike as this will be covered by the City Council.
10. Ms. Laflamme asked what decommissioning means to the board and what exactly they would want to achieve by having a decommissioning or dismantling plan as this is still vague.
County and Statewide Issues – Get rid of this as a separate criteria and incorporate number 3 into the rest of the document.
1. The Northern Loop is being reviewed and this item Should be omitted with a statement of support for the work of the North Country Transmission Commission
2. This item should be omitted.
3. Subsurface concerns will be left as is as it is an important issue for the City Council as well.
Ms. Laflamme indicated that lighting was well addressed in the Laidlaw application.
Mr. McCue mentioned odor and best management practices.
Discussion of Agricultural Zoning
Ms. Jamison will talk about bees at the next meeting.
Board Elections
Chair Cusson noted that a letter of resignation was received from Dan Malone.
Chair
Mr. Morin nominated Ms. Cusson to be Chair; Mrs. Boucher seconded the nomination and by unanimous vote , Mrs. Cusson is Chair of the Planning Board.
Vice Chair
Mrs. Boucher nominated Mr. Morin to be Vice Chair; Mr. Langlois seconded the nomination and by unanimous vote, Mr. Morin is Vice Chair of the Planning Board.
Public Comments - none
Member Comments
Mr. Langlois asked about shoreline exemption stating that there is work planned close to river and we should move forward with the exemption.
He confirmed that the wood pellet plant is on hold.
The Notre Dame School is still being worked on with the clean up going on now.
Mr. McCue mentioned Household Hazardous Waste Clean Up Day is coming up on June 5.
Planner Comments
The Legislation included in the packets is for information only.
There is a technical meeting of the Laidlaw Project at 10 a.m. tomorrow at City Hall.
The June meeting will have a full agenda. Site plan regulations will be reviewed. Next month the economic development section of the Master Plan implementation items will be reviewed.
The 110 project received a finding of no significant impact and appraisers have been doing work to value properties to be bought for the project.
There is a need to form a Local Energy Committee. The City will receive funding for the Beacon Community Initiative and having a local energy commission established would be helpful. People are needed to serve on the commission and there are to be no planning board members.
Mr. Morin moved to adjourn; Ms. Boucher seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
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