CHILMARK PLANNING BOARD
Meeting Minutes
Monday, November 23, 2009 @ 4:30 PM
Approved
Present: Janet Weidner, chair, John Flender, Russell Walton, Mitch Posin, William Meegan
Todd Christy, Administrative Assistant
Absent: Tim Lasker, Rich Osnoss
Public: Bill Rossi, Riggs Parker, Chuck Hodgkinson
Call To Order:
Janet Weidner, Chair, opened the meeting at 4:35 p.m.
New Business:
Distributed Antenna System:
Mr. Hodgkinson was present to describe to the joint committee exactly what American Tower Company is going to discuss and present to the town at the November 30 Public Hearing. Mr. Hodgkinson presented a computer aided image of what the poles system would look like and the distribution area that this new increased pole design would cover.
This new design will increase the total number of poles but the output power is greatly decreased. There will be 13 new poles that will be NStar-Verizon specified ‘make ready’ status.
Ms. Weidner read into the minutes two letters. A letter from Frank LaRusso expressing that he was happy with the new relocation of poles on Middle Road. A note from Mr. Lasker expressed curiosity of how WiFi could be expanded to the town buildings, allowing for hot spots?
There was a question of the longevity of the technology and will ATC remove the system should this technology become obsolete? ATC will bond this system so that if there is a significant advance in technology, they will remove this proposed system.
The joint committee reviewed the facts of the special permit, which would need to be completed within two years. Permitting will require approval or disapproval in writing.
The committee reviewed the public hearing process:
-Public Comment
-Close Public Hearing
-Committee Comments
-Vote
The Board thanked Mr. Rossi, Mr. Parker and Mr. Hodgkinson for taking the time to have this discussion.
MVC Island Plan: Mark London
Mark London was present to review the Island Plan Draft before the MVC moves to present its final version.
(There was brief discussion concerning the DAS system. Mr. London asked if there is an approval of the DAS special permit, will that preclude future cell towers. Will the DAS system inhibit a tower if this system is up and running and available to cell service providers? Mr. London said it sounded like a legal question, but he would look into the question.)
Mr. London started his review of the island plan with a brief overview. This final draft version of the plan included 206 different strategies for the island, addressing its growth concerns and protecting its character.
Ms. Weidner included points that the Chilmark Master Plan addressed as items of concern also covered in the Island Plan. Some of the same concerns the town has included:
Economy of Menemsha
Mansions
Wind Turbines
Energy
Open Space
Mr. London sized up the wind turbine issue as the island either allows 5000 smaller scale private turbines or it allows 17 large scale turbines on or off-shore. This would address the energy needs of the island.
The Planning Board and Mr. London discussed the issue of mansions and the possibility of the town limiting square footage. There may be possibilities of requiring more green energy supplementation or limiting amp service to new construction. Mr. London agreed with the board that limiting house size could be problematic.
The board thanked Mr. London for coming in to discuss the Island Plan.
Meeting Minutes;
Board reviewed minutes from October 26, 2009 and approved as amended;
Update:
Mr. Christy informed the board of his understanding of MA GL 40A which was described by the building inspector to him. This would allow for an existing structure to be designated as an Agricultural Dormitory by the zoning officer. The Building Inspector conferred with town counsel on this issue. This would require no change in current town bylaw to allow agricultural housing.
Administration:
Ms. Weidner signed bill from MV Times
With no more business to discuss, Ms. Weidner adjourned the meeting at 6:23 pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Todd Christy, Administrative Assistant.
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