Chichester Planning Board
Minutes of Meeting
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Members Present: Chairman Kevin Mara, Vice-Chairman Tom Jameson, Ex-Officio Jeffrey Jordan, Stan Brehm, Thomas Houle, Allen Mayville, Richard Moore, Alan Williams and Secretary Jamie A Pike.
Chairman Mara called the meeting to order at 6:35pm.
The minutes of August 7, 2014 were reviewed. A minor non-subjectative change was made. A motion was made by Mr. Jameson and seconded by Mr. Jordan to approve the minutes as corrected. Motion passes.
Others Present: Lucille Noel, Donna Chagnon, Anne Davis, Michelle Plunkett, Raymond Shea and Evelyn Pike.
Heritage Commission: Presentation of Draft Master Plan Chapter
Lucille Noel was present on behalf of the Heritage Commission
Information that was developed from the 20/20 vision forum and other review of other Towns. Moultonborough and Pembroke were recommended as model chapters. Deerfield’s Master Plan was also used. This chapter, as presented, has been a 2 year project of the Commission. The chapter outlines plans and goals well into the future. As the Heritage Commission is an advisory board, the chapter is to provide the Planning Board with a framework and suggestions for adoption into the Master Plan.
Mr. Moore spoke briefly about his discussions with Ms. Noel about the chapter and especially noted the section on Signs. The Commission has talked briefly about signs in regards to another charrette that was completed in Hebron. Their charrette developed interior village signs that were wooden and hand painted that maintained the village feel while giving a sense of place. These signs were primarily directional in nature that guided visitors to Town facilities etc. Mr. Moore discussed the balance of historic and cultural areas vs. commercial areas in regards to signage, specifically where the modern business desires signs that may not necessarily achieve the goals of a historic village but can co-exist.
Mr. Jameson spoke to Goal #1 which requests that cultural and historical resources are identified through the subdivision and site review process. Ms. Noel explained that as more land is developed these areas are at greater risk of being disturbed. Mr. Mara asked if there are specific areas around town that are of significant value. Ms. Noel described many areas of the northerly and southerly parts of Town, Webster Mills, Garvin’s Hill etc.
Mr. Jameson also spoke to the use of the word “village” throughout and the need to separate its distinction from the Commercial Village.
Ms. Noel further discussed the upcoming charrette with goals of developing Main Street as more walkable, addressing safety and other scenarios.
Ms. Davis also spoke towards the development of the Main Street corridor as a historic resource and balancing it with the commercial areas of the Town.
Mr. Houle spoke to the need for the Board to educate the public about the need to continue the development of Route 4 and 28 as the major tax base of the Town. Ms. Noel spoke to the two areas being able to co-exist within the community.
The Board shall hold a public hearing in the future to allow for public input and review of the chapter. The Planning Board will continue to review the chapter and make any necessary adjustments to reflect the goals and vision of the Board itself.
Subdivision: Francis & Evelyn Pike, Map 7 Lot 23, Durgin Road
Ray Shea, Surveyor; and Evelyn Pike were present to speak on the merits of the proposal.
The purpose of this subdivision to divide the existing 4.298 acre lot into two lots of 2.134 ac and 2.164 acres. Each lot has over 200 feet of frontage. There are no existing structures upon the property. A letter has been submitted by Peter Schauer of Schauer Environmental Consultants stating that there are no jurisdictional wetlands on the property. Well radii and 4k septic areas have been shown in accordance with all regulations. State approval was granted on 08-22-2014. (SA2014010509)
Mr. Moore reviewed the checklist items with the Board.
Being no further discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Brehm and seconded by Mr. Mayville to accept the application as complete. Motion passes.
Chairman Mara called the Public Hearing upon the application to order.
There were no abutters present.
Being no further discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Jordan and seconded by Mr. Mayville to approve the application as presented. Motion passes.
Other Business:
Mr. Pike reported his findings regarding the sizing of septic systems for commercial uses. DES does not have any specific rules regarding the design of commercial septic systems other than sizing by anticipated gallons per day. Regarding the application of the Drew’s at 154 Dover Road, it needs to be determined what the load of the new use will be to determine the adequacy of the existing system or should a new system be designed to afford the opportunity for replacement should the existing system fail.
Mr. Brehm and Mr. Jordan discussed properties that are currently available that could be used to further the goals of a Town Center. Mr. Jordan reported that the Conservation Commission is currently negotiating the purchase of a parcel on Main Street.
Mr. Williams asked how and when and under what circumstances a member should recuse themselves from the Board discussion regarding a proposal. Mr. Williams was informed that it is the member’s final decision, but a member should recuse themselves if they have a financial interest in the outcome of a decision.
Mr. Jordan will not be present at the October meeting.
To bring back to the table the signage ordinance, public informational and input sessions shall be scheduled for the fall and winter meetings before the Public Hearings in February.
Discussion was had about an update to the Vision chapter of the Master Plan. Mr. Pike shall distribute the existing statement and proposals for amendment.
Being no further business, a motion was made by Mr. Brehm and seconded by Mr. Houle to adjourn the meeting at 7:53pm . Motion passes.
Respectfully submitted,
Jamie A Pike Not approved until signed.
Kevin J Mara, DVM
| 
