Town of Buxton
Planning Board
Minutes
April 25, 2011, at 7 pm
Recorded by Krystal Dyer
Board Members Present: David Savage, Sr.; Jeremiah Ross, III; Harry Kavouksorian and David Anderson
Board Members Absent: James Logan and Caroline Segalla
Others Present: Henry Huntley,
Chairman Harry Kavouksorian called the April 25, 2011, meeting of the Buxton Planning Board together at 7:03 p.m.
Pledge of allegiance
CEO Report:
No report – CEO on vacation
Approval of Minutes:
April 11, 2011
- Motioned by David Savage, seconded by David Anderson, to accept the minutes as written. Four voted in favor.
Approval of Bills:
No bills at this time
Communications:
~We asked Krystal to contact USM regarding digitizing tax maps – received an email explaining they are currently looking for students to do the work.
~Maine Townsman
~Public Hearing for Proposed Ordinance Amendments, Shoreland and Official Zoning Map, May 9th, 2011 at 7pm.
Other Business:
David Anderson commented on an email he received from the Re-Purpose Hanson Effort stating that SAD#6 School Board voted unanimously to lease Hanson to the Town for $1 for one year and to work out a lease/share agreement with the possibility of easements with the Town for parking. David wants to clarify the Boards perspective as he reads from the email; there are still members on the School Board who remember the hurdles placed before them by Buxton's Planning Board when the new elementary school was constructed.
~~~~~~~~School Board members~stated that since the Buxton Planning~Board would not grant them a variance for the number of parking spaces required by the Town~when the District wanted one for parking at the new elementary school (the Town ordinances required more parking spaces than the State required) that the District did not feel inclined to assist the~Town with the land. Because of what they perceive as an issue with the Planning Board in the Town of Buxton, he feels this information is incorrect. The Planning Board put forth any restrictions that were not already in place by the town through an ordinance that was passed by the voters. My feeling is that our purpose is to review applications and to see that they conform with town ordinances. Harry adds that the Planning Board has
no ability to provide or grant any kind of variance from any of the ordinances. David also feels that SAD6 still has not conformed with the parking requirements on the property for the new school. Harry said this is in regards to being able to re-purpose the Hanson school to be used as a community center, it seems a little cross purpose for the school board to stand in the way of developing a community center that would serve the children of the town. The Planning Board is here to review applications see that they meet the ordinances of the Town. It is not our purpose to offer variances, then to hold that against the Town and not agree to a lease agreement for the land.
Jere said it is a very complex situation and some of these things need to be worked out. There are three schools on one parcel and they have to meet the required number of parking spaces for all three school. It’s all very inter-twined but I think there can be a solution depending upon how the voters feel. Harry believes the issue was raised that the States parking requirements are less restrictive than the Towns; we do not have a choice as to whether we review the application under the States guidelines or under the town ordinance. Whichever is the most restrictive of the two, will always be the limiting factor. Harry asks residents to get involved and feels the center would benefit the Town greatly. Jere added that there are inherent costs and ongoing operating expenses that are
going to go along with it and that needs to be explained to the taxpayers and then they can determine if this is a viable option for the Town. The Board hopes that all considerations are presented to the voters.
- Motioned by Jere, seconded by David S, to adjourn the meeting at 7:15 p.m. Five voted in favor.
Approval Date: _________
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Harry Kavouksorian, Chairman Signature Date
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