Chairman: William Manter
Members Present: Richard Baker, Ralph Viscomi, Kim Ames (arrived 7:45), Laurie Levy (arrived 8:20)
Members Absent: None
Transcriber: Melanie Rich
Noting a quorum of three members present, Mr. Manter called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
The Board reviewed the Minutes of the June 6, 2011 meeting. Mr. Baker made a motion to approve the June 6 Minutes, Mr. Manter seconded; all in favor, none opposed.
ANR Plan, Sewall Street (Sheryl Welch) – Pam Moore was present representing Sheryl Welch, the property owner and applicant. Ms. Moore stated that the issue regarding the frontage for Lot A shown on the plan was resolved by conveyance of Parcel C to Sheryl Welch, owner of Lot A. Mr. Baker suggested the following findings regarding the plan: the property is located in the Residential Zoning District, which requires 150' of frontage and 30,000 sq. ft. of area; Lot A and Parcel C are under common ownership and comprise a contiguous parcel having sufficient frontage and area. Mr. Viscomi called attention to the notation on the plan that Parcel B was to be combined with land owned by Signature Homes to create an additional building lot. Mr. Baker stated his opinion that another plan
would have to be recorded showing the combined lots. After additional discussion, there was agreement that the proposed new Signature Homes lot should be considered. Mr. Manter inspected the plan and stated that the combined parcels had sufficient frontage on the subdivision street and sufficient area to be considered a building lot. Mr. Baker motioned to accept the proposed findings and approve the ANR plan, Mr. Viscomi seconded; all in favor (Ms. Ames voting). ANR plan approved.
Fee Schedule for Special Permit/Site Plan Applications – Mr. Baker stated that he did not file the site plan fees approved at the June meeting with the Building Department, because he found a discrepancy that might cause the Board to reconsider. Specifically, the proposed fees assumed full advertising costs, while some site plan applications would not require notice and advertising. He proposed a separate fee structure for site plans submitted for a special permit and those submitted for other purposes. He submitted a revised fee schedule. Mr. Viscomi motioned to accept the site plan fees as revised, Mr. Baker seconded; all in favor. Mr. Baker will ask Melanie to file the approved fee schedule with the Town Clerk and the Building Department.
Public Hearing to Consider Modification of Longley Hill Subdivision Plan – Mr. Manter opened the hearing at 8:00 p.m. Mr. Farooq Ansari, applicant and developer of the subdivision, was present. Mr. Ansari stated that the steep slope on the right side of the subdivision road creates construction problems, and he requests the Board waive the requirement for sidewalks on both sides of the street. Mr. Baker reviewed Section 8.3 of the Subdivision Rules, stating the reasons the Board may grant waivers. He then stated that he favored granting the waiver because it was consistent with the goal of maintaining a rural character to streets, and it would reduce maintenance costs for the Town. Mr. Viscomi noted that the steep slope might create safety issues in winter due to snow and ice
buildup. No members of the public were in attendance to offer comment. On a motion by Mr. Viscomi, seconded by Ms. Ames, the Board voted unanimously to close the hearing.
The Board reviewed a draft decision prepared by Mr. Baker, approving the waiver of Subdivision Rule 4.2.7 to allow sidewalks on one side of the subdivision streets only. All other terms and conditions of subdivision approval are to remain in full force and effect. Mr. Baker made a motion to accept the decision approving the waiver, Mr. Viscomi seconded. Members Manter, Baker, Viscomi, and Ames all voted in favor. The decision was endorsed and left at the office of the Town Clerk.
Longley Hill Bond Reduction – Mr. Ansari was present to request reduction of the surety for the Longley Hill subdivision. In addition, he requested the Board release Lots 3 and 9. The Board reviewed a report prepared by Mike Andrade of Graves Engineering recommending surety of $200,538, a reduction of $29,462. Mr. Baker asked Mr. Ansari to clarify if he was requesting a refund of $29,462, a release of Lots 3 and 9, or both. Mr. Ansari stated his intention to extend the street and suggested that no additional surety would be required. He offered to put a condition on the lot release that no occupancy permit be issued until the road was extended. Mr. Manter stated that he would support a motion to grant a release on the condition that Mike Andrade confirms the surety
being held was sufficient. Mr. Baker again asked Mr. Ansari to clarify if he wanted an immediate reduction in the surety to $200,538 or if would prefer the Board ask for a new estimate accounting for the release of Lots 3 and 9. Mr. Ansari answered that he wanted the surety reduction. Mr. Baker reviewed the steps that would be required for the Board to release Lots 3 and 9, emphasizing the need to have necessary legal documentation in hand at the next meeting. On a motion by Mr. Baker, seconded by Mr. Viscomi, the Board voted unanimously to reduce the surety for the Longley Hill Subdivision to $200,538 (Ms. Levy present and voting). Mr. Baker will draft a letter for Mr. Manter's signature that Mr. Ansari can deliver to his bank. Mr. Baker will also authorize Mike Andrade to prepare a new surety estimate for the release of Lots 3 and 9.
Amendment of Subdivision Rules – Mr. Baker presented a final draft of the amended subdivision rules. It was agreed that the draft should be circulated to all Town Boards and Departments for comment.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Meeting Materials:
1. Revised Site Plan Review Fee Schedule
2. Draft Longley Hill Decision to Modify Subdivision Plan
3. Longley Hill Surety Estimate (Graves Engineering)
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