Approved 08/11/08
Town of Duxbury
Massachusetts
Planning Board
Minutes 07/14/08
The Planning Board met in Duxbury Town Offices, Mural Room, lower level on Monday, July 14, 2008 at 7:30 PM.
Present: Amy MacNab, Chairman; George Wadsworth, Vice-Chair; John Bear; and James Kimball.
Absent: Brendan Halligan, Clerk; Cynthia Ladd Fiorini; Harold Moody; and Diane Grant, Administrative Assistant.
Staff: Christine Stickney, Planning Director.
Ms. MacNab called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM.
OPEN FORUM
Water Advisory Board: Mr. Wadsworth reported that the State has issued a policy to encourage towns to reduce water usage. No scientific reasoning supports the policy and the targeted goals appear to be unrealistic for communities to obtain. Mr. Wadsworth will be discussing this issue with the Board of Selectmen.
DISCUSSION FREEMAN FARMS SUBDIVISION/UPDATE
Ms. Stickney was expecting Mr. Cushing but he had not arrived at the designated time so the Board tabled the matter until later in the evening.
APPROVAL NOT REQUIRED PLAN OF LAND: GOOSE POINT LANE AND PATTEN ROAD / REED
Mr. Mark Casey from South Shore Survey was present to represent this application to reconfigure existing lot lines between three properties, all owned by the Reed Family Trust, in order to accommodate a proposed outdoor pavilion and picnic area. The lot lines need to be adjusted in order to utilize an existing septic system. Mr. Casey noted that the accessory structure (pavilion) requires a primary residence which will now be the beach house lot.
MOTION: Mr. Wadsworth made a motion, and Mr. Bear provided a second, to endorse a plan of land entitled, “Plan of Land at Goose Point Lane and Patten Lane, Duxbury, MA,” dated April 17, 2008 and stamped and signed by Stephen F. Moran, RPLS, one sheet, as not requiring approval under Subdivision Control Law.
VOTE: The motion carried unanimously, 4-0.
Board members signed the ANR plan.
AS-BUILT APPROVAL: 11 WASHINGTON STREET / TRIEBEL
Board members reviewed As-Built plans submitted by the applicants’ engineer, Mr. Robert Crowell. Ms. Stickney noted that the owners, the Triebels, have moved into their new business and would like to close out their project with the Planning Board.
Board members noticed that the As-Built plans indicate a different location of the handicap space than per the approved site plan and questioned why it was relocated. Ms. MacNab asked what happens when the space is occupied and it is blocking the driveway. Members stated that they would prefer that the space be relocated so that it does not block the entrance gate. Staff was directed to contact the Director of Inspectional Services to determine the reasoning behind the apparent relocation of the handicap accessible space. The Board agreed to revisit As-Built approval at their next scheduled meeting, July 28, 2008.
ZBA REFERRAL: BREWSTER COMMONS, LLC / TREMONT STREET, WOODRIDGE ROAD, AND BAY FARM ROAD
Ms. Stickney noted that the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) had issued a comprehensive permit for this project on October 8, 2004. The current economy and the death of one of the two applicants had delayed the project from moving forward. With a construction deadline set by the Zoning Board of Appeals due October 28, 2008, the remaining applicant is interested in commencing with the project. The materials requested for review represent additional waivers based on project review by the ZBA’s consulting engineer, Mainstream Engineering.
MOTION: Mr. Wadsworth made a motion, and Mr. Bear provided a second, to defer judgment to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding the Comprehensive Permit application for Brewster Commons LLC, off Tremont Street, Woodridge Road, and Bay Farm Road.
VOTE: The motion carried unanimously, 4-0.
Mr. Wadsworth noted for those members not present that staff should notify them of the ZBA meeting and suggested they review their packet documents should they want to voice concerns at the ZBA meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS
Comprehensive Plan: Ms. Stickney reported that the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), the regional planning authority, is embarking on their own master plan for their region. They are urging communities to become involved and incorporate the MAPC goals and objectives into local master plans. The materials provided to the Board are a synopsis of their goals and objectives for members to review.
Ms. MacNab reported that she and Ms. Stickney met and discussed updating the Comprehensive Plan. John Brown Associates did the last Comprehensive Plan in 1999 and Ms. MacNab feels it is in need of an update rather than a re-write. Members discussed the last plan process and how a survey was utilized for formatting the scope of the plan.
Ms. Stickney relayed comments from Selectmen Martecchini relative to his thoughts that the plan should include a financial analysis as part of the plan. Mr. Wadsworth noted that he and Ms. Sara Wilson had done such an analysis when Duxbury Estates (PD) recently came before the Board. He would be glad to share their findings to Selectman Martecchini. Staff asked to have the file sent electronically to forward on.
Mainstream Engineering/Song Sparrow Review Fees: Ms. Stickney reported the activity since the Planning Board’s last meeting (June 16, 2008) and the desire by Mainstream Engineering to have a signed release for the credit to the invoices. Ms. Stickney reported that Mr. Woodruff signed the release and a copy was forwarded to Mainstream Engineering. Ms. Stickney noted the project has been issued As-Built approval and the only remaining action is for the Board to vote to now return the escrow account balance.
MOTION: Mr. Bear made a motion, and Mr. Wadsworth provided a second, to release all remaining escrow funds for the Song Sparrow to the applicant.
VOTE: The motion carried unanimously, 4-0.
Amory Engineering Invoices:
MOTION: Mr. Wadsworth made a motion, and Mr. Kimball provided a second, to approve payment of the following Amory Engineers invoices dated July 2, 2008:
§ #12256A in the amount of $1,562.50 for services related to 454 Franklin Street / Industrial Tower and Wireless LLC
§ #12256B in the amount of $375.00 for services related to Dingley Dell.
VOTE: The motion carried unanimously, 4-0.
Meeting Minutes:
MOTION: Mr. Bear made a motion, and Mr. Kimball provided a second, to approve meeting minutes of May 19, 2008 and June 16, 2008 as amended.
VOTE: The motion carried unanimously, 4-0.
Bay Farm Montessori Academy, Loring Street: Ms. MacNab questioned recent “site improvements,” particularly a cut for a driveway to the rear of the property. Ms. Stickney noted that the Building Department has issued a permit for the classroom building that had a fire. Ms. MacNab asked that staff inquire with the Building Department as to this issue.
DISCUSSION: FREEMAN FARMS SUBDIVISION/UPDATE
Mr. Cushing did not come to the meeting and Ms. Stickney said she would find out if there was some type of miscommunication either with his office or ours. She did explain the purpose of having him attend the meeting and referred to the email sent to him as to the issues to be discussed. Ms. Stickney had visited the site that day and found some items in need of attention.
The Planning Board had previously questioned if the surety was sufficient to cover the current costs in 2008 or if it should be increased. Ms. Stickney reported she briefly discussed it with Amory Engineering and, although the price of materials and labor is higher now in 2008, the estimate done in 2002 appears sufficient to cover if needed today.
After a brief discussion it was agreed that staff would contact Mr. Cushing and let him know of the Planning Boards questions and concerns as to the following:
§ Staff would work with the applicant toward an interim maintenance plan for cleaning basins, structures and the street sweeping. The Board suggests street sweeping in the spring and if necessary again in the fall. Drainage basins may need some selective vegetation clearing at the culverts, but staff will consult with Joe Grady to avoid any conservation issues.
§ Silt trap material under the grate at the catch basin at the cul-de-sac at the end of Cushing Drive has basically caused it to become impervious, not allowing any water to filter through but rather back up, resulting in dry silt around the cul-de-sac. This matter should be given attention.
§ At the lot under construction at the cul-de-sac, verify the wood pile and other construction debris located in the layout will be disposed of when final grading of the lot is completed.
§ Cut of the material being taken at lot on Cushing Drive that backs up to Pond Road should be tapered to prevent any erosion or attraction of kids to it that could collapse.
§ The applicant needs to be more vigilant regarding snowplowing, now that there are residents living in the subdivision, to ensure the school buses can go through. Similar issues exist with Lewis Road: not plowing quickly enough during and after a snow event.
The Planning Board discussed the upcoming subdivision review of Pratt Circle and Mr. Wadsworth also asked staff to begin looking into the private roads to be assured the Homeowner’s Association is doing maintenance.
ADJOURNMENT
The Planning Board meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM. The next meeting of the Planning Board will take place on Monday, July 28, 2008 at 7:30 PM at Duxbury Town Offices, Small Conference Room, lower level.
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