FINAL
Present for the Board of Appeals and attending the meeting were: Allison Burger, Chairman, Chris Murphy, Wendy Weldon, Allen Healy, Frank LoRusso and Chuck Hodgkinson. Also attending were Kristen Reimann, Stephanie DaRosa, Matt Mayhew and Molly Peach. Russell Maloney and Todd Christy were absent.
Ms. Burger opened the meeting at 4:02 PM and appointed Alternate Allen Healy as a voting member for the afternoon’s agenda.
MATT MAYHEW; Article 6 Section 6.6; 38 State Road; Map 30 Lot 48.5: Ms. Burger opened the public hearing at 4:05 PM. Mr. Mayhew reviewed the site plan dated 2/11/14 to construct a single-family residence on a 1.07-acre Youth Lot in a location that does not meet the minimum setback distance from the lot line. Chuck H. read the letters of consent from the two abutters whose property is within 100 feet of the proposed structure—as required in the Bylaw.
The Board asked if Mr. Mayhew considered locating the house closer to Lot 48.1 to provide more separation from the pit. Mr. Mayhew said he did and wanted to stay with the current plan. With no comment from the public a motion was made to close the hearing at 4:11 PM. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved. A subsequent motion was made to approve the plan as presented. The motion was seconded and with no further discussion passed unanimously with five in favor.
DISCUSSION KRISTEN REIMANN FOR ROBERT KEGAN & BARBARA WOLF; 127 State Rd.; Map 33 Lot 15: Ms. Reimann reviewed a landscape plan for the HVAC and generator screening as conditioned in the Special Permit issued for the renovation of this house on August 27, 2014. The landscape plan was dated 11/25/14 and the planting plan L-3.0 was also dated 11/25/14. Ms. Reimann added there are no plans for an irrigation system and thus, the planting will be done during the fall 2015. The Board complimented the well-conceived plan. After brief discussion a motion was made to approve the plans as presented. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously with five in favor.
DISCUSSION STEPHANIE DAROSA; 9 Swan’s Way; Map 11 Lot 69: Ms. DaRosa reviewed her written request for a one-time, six month extension on the Variance to Article 6 Section 6.9B3a issued on January 29, 2014. The Variance created a homesite lot that is 171 sq. ft. smaller than the minimum 1-acre requirement. The state Zoning Act specifies a Variance must be acted upon within one year of its issuance and a one-time, 6-month extension may be granted by the permitting authority. If approved the new expiration deadline for starting construction will be July 29, 2015.
The Board asked why construction hasn’t started and Ms. DaRosa said she just purchased the property in August 2014. After brief discussion a motion was made to grant the one-time extension to July 29, 2015. The motion was seconded and passed with four in favor and one abstention (Mr. Murphy).
BEN ROBINSON DISCUSSION: Mr. Robinson introduced himself, mentioned he was Helen Benham’s son and asked about the Youth Lot hearing as his mother is an abutter. The Board informed him that it was closed before he arrived. He asked the Board to explain the request as he merely wanted to gather information. The Board explained how Article 6 Section 6.6 works and how Mr. Mayhew’s request complies with all the Bylaw criteria for approval. Mr. Robinson thanked the Board for its time.
FY 2016 BUDGET: The Board reviewed the proposed budget for FY 2016. There are no increases in the expense lines. The salary will be adjusted to reflect the Human Resource Board’s recommended 1.3 % COLA plus the earned step increase. A motion was made and seconded to approve the FY 2016 budget as presented. The motion passed unanimously with five in favor.
Chuck H. suggested the Board consider having the local newspaper invoice the applicants directly for the advertising costs of the legal notices. He explained the cost is increasing and the Conservation Commission successfully follows this practice. The Board thought this was a good idea for consideration in 2015. Chuck H. will obtain the details on how to enact this change.
ADMINISTRATION: The November 18, 2014 meeting minutes were reviewed and approved by consensus.
The next meeting will be Wednesday, January 28, 2015 @ 5:00 PM.
With no further business to conduct the meeting adjourned at 4:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted by Chuck Hodgkinson, CAS.
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