PLANNING BOARD MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY – AUGUST 2, 2005
356 Main Street – Farmington, NH
Members Present: Charlie King, Hiram Watson, Jim Horgan, David Kestner, Jason Lauze-Alternate - Seated for Gerald "Gary" White, Charles Wibel-Alternate - Seated for Don MacVane
Absent: Don MacVane - with notification
Gary White - with notification
Mark Paulin - Alternate with notification
Selectmen’s Rep: Paul Parker
Staff Present: Paul Esswein, Doreen T. Hayden
Public Present: Ed Fasold, Vice President of Operations - NATL, Bob and Debbie Leary, Aaron Sanborn - Fosters Daily Democrat, Rod Thompson, William Gifford, President - NATL, Rebecca Gifford, Secretary & Treasurer - NATL, Randy Tetreault - Norway Plains, Assoc., Robert Army, Brian Hughes, Bruce Pohopek, Paul Cardinal, Malcolm Glidden
Chairman King called the meeting to order at 6:08 p.m.
OLD BUSINESS:
Review and approve meeting minutes of 07-05-2005; Hiram Watson motions to approve minutes as written, 2nd Jim Horgan, no further discussion, all those in favor, motion passes.
Review and approve meeting minutes of 07-12-2005; Hiram Watson motions to approve minutes as written, 2nd Jim Horgan, no further discussion, all those in favor, Paul Parker-abstains, motion passes.
Review and approve meeting minutes of 07-19-2005; Hiram Watson motions to approve minutes as written, 2nd Paul Parker, discussion - Jim Horgan - last paragraph of page 2 - stating Jim Horgan as Alternate to Conservation Commission - he thought he volunteered for regular, Doreen T. Hayden recalls the conversation from Randy Orvis as being Regular Membership filled only alternate available, Jim Horgan decides to let this stand, no further discussion, all those in favor, motion passes.
6:13 p.m. Chairman King calls for a 5-minute recess to clean-up spilled water, 2nd Jim Horgan, no further discussion, motion passes.
NEW BUSINESS:
Chairman King calls the meeting back to order at 6:20 p.m. - the 1st order of business:
Conceptual Site - Plan discussion By: Holy Rosary Credit Union; (Tax Map R20, Lot 11-1); Property known as N. H. Route 11.
Chairman King calls for the applicant or their representative; no response; Chairman King motions to continue this conceptual site plan discussion to the end of the conceptuals' on the agenda, 2nd Hiram Watson, no further discussion, all those in favor, motion passes.
Preliminary Conceptual Site Plan Review By: NATL "North American Training Lodge" (Tax Map R58, Lot 11 and Tax Map R65, Lot 2): Property known as Aiken Road; to develop and operate a Homeland Defense Training and Shooting Facility.
Charles Wibel - Alternate, recuses himself from this application, he had listed this property.
William Gifford, President of NATL presents, Ed Fasold, Vice President of Operations and Rebecca Gifford, Secretary and Treasurer preside as well.
William Gifford begins by describing the parcels of land that are being proposed as Tax Map R58, Lot 11 with 139 acres and Tax Map R68, Lot 2 with 35 acres. Chairman King asks what the size of the parcel is, William Gifford - it is 179 acres. William Gifford enters into discussion on the intent of this facility; which is to have the shooting range on 139 acres and any offices and support housing on the 35-acre parcel. The Aiken Road is a Class VI road and abuts the Barron property. The intended market is the U S Navy Seals Team and units that fall under the SUBCOM. There are training budges for Federal Law Enforcements, the closest facility is in North Carolina, and there is nothing in the North East. We estimate 1500 clients per year with lodging on property. I have spoken with
Chief Roberge and he is all for the project offering it also as community outreach to area officers as well as the Canadian forces who are also interested in using the facility. There is a 2 million budget to build the facility and most if not all of the work will be contracted through local contractors, also will be little impact to Town of Farmington facilities but will generate a good tax base. The engineering firm of Transit Corp. has 23 years of engineering experience in developing these types of facilities.
Chairman King asks Paul Esswein if he has any questions. Paul Esswein - most discussions would require a special exception.
Jim Horgan - several questions; in the write-up you mentioned opening the range and a contact; William Gifford we've had several area contacts. Jim Horgan - private access; William Gifford - it will be getting to know us basis, not going to be open on a Monday through Friday schedule, we do anticipate community day(s). Jim Horgan - will it be all-seasonal training, William Gifford - will be both. Jim Horgan - mentioned 800-meter range - what is the caliber? William Gifford - 50 calibers.
William Gifford - Our intentions are to keep all the bullet on the range by using baffling, ring safety officers, the people that they market to know how to shoot, this is not a shooting range for your average rifleman.
Jim Horgan continues with significant questions and a detailed discussion ensues with applicant William Gifford. Questions about retail shops, the proposed bed and breakfast, nighttime shooting, staffing (5-7 maintenance for the range; with 4 full-time instructors). Jim Horgan questions the decibel levels, elevations and noise levels.
Jason Lauze - Questions edge of property safety margins; William Gifford - no state requirements other than marking every 30 feet. Jason Lauze - Questions shooting distance; William Gifford - it is laid out on conceptual plan, have not defined exactly, I have spent 9 hours with NH Soils and their comment - hardly any impact. Jason Lauze - What about the security for storage after hours; William Gifford - Will be gated, bob wired, lighted, and the property will have 24/7 on site as we (William and Rebecca Gifford) will be living on the property.
Hiram Watson - Asks what kind of demo? William Gifford - plastics, nothing heavy. Hiram Watson - Grenades; William Gifford - nothing that strong. Hiram Watson - 50 calibers can go further than most think; William Gifford - there will be baffles in the air, this is not your average off the street shooting facility, and this is for professional individuals.
David Kestner - Certainly won’t be peaceful and quiet anymore. David Kestner questions the linear feet and comments there is a tremendous amount of hunting that goes on in the surrounding area. William Gifford - The area will be posted and marked it will be an educational process. David Kestner questions Sigarms in Epping as a similar venture and why can't they expand there? Ed Fasold and William Gifford each explain there is too much wetland in that area for expansion. David Kestner - I believe there will be a sound issue in the range, you can hear Sigarms; William Gifford - It is mostly an open area and they have low-lying wetlands.
Paul Parker - Great deal of concern as David Kestner indicated, this is Zoned as AR Zoning District as opposed to a Commercial/Industrial Area; what criteria did you use to choose this particular piece of property. William Gifford - We could not find a piece of property of the size we required to allow this type of operation in a Commercial/Industrial Area. Paul Parker - What do you feel is unique about this property; William Gifford - The distance to Pease, Logan Int'l, MHT-Int'l the Naval Training Bases and the National Guard. Paul Parker - Questions if there are similar set-ups in any other areas in the USA, William Gifford - In the NC area, as well as a review of the WEB site www.weaponstraining.com. Paul Parker comments that the RSA
givers concern and takes away the local control. William Gifford - We gave that RSA to you as an example and did not try to hide anything from the board.
Chairman King - Couple of concerns, but they have already been raised by the other board members. Although the application falls under the Site Regulations the applicant would have to comply with any new Site Regulations. William Gifford - The Range would only be on 1 parcel and for that they would seek Zoning relief, their intentions are to keep Range/Bed and Breakfast separate.
Chairman King - 2nd Conceptual will be reviewed under the Zoning Ordinance.
7:05 p.m.
Chairman King thanks the applicants for their presentation and re-seats Charles Wibel.
7:08 p.m.
Conceptual Site Review with Special Use Permit Request; By Cardinal & Glidden Oil Co., Inc. Property known as Tappan Street; (Tax Map U1, Lo #24): For upgrade to conform to current codes by upgrading tank farm and adding new garage.
Randy Tetreault, Norway Plains Associates; presents on behalf of the applicant. Very conceptual plan is being presented for the Tappan Street upgrade - very preliminary stage. Randy Tetreault handed out copies of a Tax Map showing where sits in Town, red-circled areas indicate where the change would be. This parcel sits East of the NH Liquor Store and Rite Aid. Existing tank is U1-25, will be U1-25-1 will be part of this upgrade. Cardinal & Glidden is proposing to add additional tanks on U1-25, no additional tanks on U1-27 just upgrading. Malcolm Glidden - advises that when the formal Site Plan is drawn it will show the placement of the tanks; he also advises that they intend to move the operation from Crowley Street to 30x75 shed for trucks and to keep them out of Town of Farmington,
only the office would remain in town.
Chairman King - when this application comes before the board as formal you will need to furnish an addendum to the tank farm.
Paul Esswein - the only concern is the size of the area that he has, the site presently has a steep bank going down to gravel pit, where is the property line is in relation to the steep bank? Paul Esswein - we would want some outside advice as this is in the wellhead protection area of the Town of Farmington.
Paul Parker questions 3 old tanks to be removed Malcolm Glidden advises replacement of existing 3 not additional 3 new ones.
David Kestner - asks what the concrete structures area? Malcolm Glidden - 2 are for the Glidden Trucks loading and 2 are for the Tankers loading.
Charles Wibel - anticipate that there will be better landscaping to buffer the view.
Randy Tetreault - questions if this is something new with the landscaping requirements, he's heard it be brought up before and just wants to ensure that he is working with the latest regulations. Charles Wibel also asks about a garage for containment purposes, Randy Tetreault agrees that there should be some type.
Chairman King poses question to Randy Tetreault asking what qualifications and personnel does Norway Plains have to enable them to present this application. Randy Tetreault - we've done and have experience in Gas Stations and similar items in the past, and they realize the need to retain and work with an Engineering Firm / Engineer that has specific knowledge in this area.
Hiram Watson - questions the 3 tanks as how many again?
Jason Lauze - no comment
Jim Horgan states that cosmetic surgery to the landscape will be a requirement as it has been neglected for some time and needs to be cleaned up.
Randy Tetreault asks if there are any particular regulations or Zoning requirements that would preclude him from going forward, Paul Esswein comments "consolidation of use".
Chairman King thanks Randy Tetreault and Malcolm Glidden for their input.
7:26 p.m.
Conceptual Site Plan discussion By: Holy Rosary Credit Union; (Tax Map R20, Lot 11-1): Property known as N. H. Route 11.
Randy Tetreault is presenting on behalf of Holy Rosary Credit Union in their proposed development similar to their facility on Brock Street in Rochester, New Hampshire. This proposed site is across from the storage units on Route 11 "Lock-Tite". This is in the ORB Zone, which is a permitted use and it also meets the frontage requirements. Holy Rosary Credit Union has also purchased the lot to the South as well, which will afford additional room. Randy Tetreault introduces Brian Hughes, President and CEO as well as Jane Gettens, Senior Vice President of Operations. Randy Tetreault goes into great detail explaining the proposed layout of the building including on-site septic and Town of Farmington water hook-up. He elaborates on his discussion with the DOT regarding the placement of
the entrance as well as arrows and signage that will give direction to customers.
Jim Horgan questions the use of a deceleration lane? Randy Tetreault advises that it does not warrant a left turn lane, left turns heading South might have to wait a few minutes to turn, the State will not allow for a deceleration lane because of the 50' requirement.
Chairman King asks about the use of an island in the entrance, Randy Tetreault - will have a split entrance, as DOT said no to an island.
Jim Horgan asks about the proposed lighting, landscaping and signage to be used.
Jason Lauze - no comment
Hiram Watson - asks if the grade could be raised and if the entire lot will be landscaped. Brian Hughes replies that all of lot 1 will be landscaped and part of lot 2.
Chairman King questions how the water will be handled on the lot, particularly the run-off.
Charles Wibel asks about the style/type of building; Brian Hughes - working on a couple of different designs, brick front with gables, colonial, something that will ideally fit into the community, nothing modern, will be a 1st floor with 2000 square feet, and 2nd floor will be lofted. Total building to be 3000 square feet, above grade with a full basement.
David Kestner suggests minimizing criss-crossing traffic by moving the entrance 20-30 feet, Randy Tetreault yes this will be done.
Paul Parker asks if their intention is to be a full service bank / institution or just a drop off / drive through? Brian Hughes - after review and consideration it will be a full service, original idea was to be just a drive through. Paul Parker questions the number of employees; Brian Hughes - 5-8 employees, with normal hours of operation, possibility of staying open a little later, will be no 24 hour a-day operation, hours could be adjusted due to need. Paul Parker questions the traffic impact on Route 11; Randy Tetreault will come up with estimated generated trips.
Brian Hughes adds that safety is definitely an issue and they put careful thought process in place when choosing this site.
Randy Tetreault asks if there are any suggestions on the landscaping?
Hiram Watson - would like to see the area grassed over.
Chairman King - hopefully the landscaping will not affect the visibility issues.
7:50 p.m.
Application for sub-division By: Randy C. Goodwin (Tax Map R51, Lot 7 and R52, Lot 15): Property known as Hornetown Road; for 2-lot subdivision and modification of the boundary line.
Don Volts, Linden Design Associates presenting on behalf of the applicant Randy C. Goodwin. Don Volts opens his presentation with general background information; both lots were purchased in 1989, Mr. Goodwin recently tried to sell lot R51-7 and discovered that the parcel is listed a 1 lot and not 2, this was found in the title search and that is primarily why we are here - to rectify the error. The lot sizes will be 10.6 acres and 16.83 acre.
Paul Esswein - would confirm it shows as stated, does not see any reason to not accept application, making a single straight line use versus using the river as a line.
Jim Horgan - make it so.
Jason Lauze - no comment.
Hiram Watson - go
Charles Wibel - go
David Kestner - go
Paul Parker - what is the road frontage? Don Volts - there is 652' on parcel R52, Lot 15.
Chairman King - poses a couple of questions to Paul Esswein. (1) Mad River increased protection area; Paul Esswein - believes it is. (2) Is it in the development zone or not? Paul Esswein reads from the Zoning Ordinance. Chairman King and Paul Esswein have in-depth discussion about limited development zone.
Chairman King - I want the applicant to understand what I'm talking about with reference to the lot line.
Paul Esswein - For all intense purposes the application is complete.
Jim Horgan motions to accept application as complete, 2nd Charles Wibel, no further discussion, all those in favor motion passes.
Jim Horgan motions to accept the 2-lot sub-division, 2nd Jason Lauze, discussion; Paul Parker would like to add note on the plan so that the applicant understand Zoning to include 100' development zone to Mad River within a limited development zone, Special Use permit shall not be issued; Section 4.04 Section 2 D; friendly amendment to Jim Horgan motion to accept 2-lot sub-division; 2nd Jason Lauze. Chairman King asks if there are any other contingencies for state sub-division and the wastewater disposal. Don Volts replies - 5 acre each lot no state sub-division required. Chairman King calls for any further discussion, no further discussion, all those in favor, 1-opposed = Chairman King, motion passes.
Application for sub-division By: John Cardinal (Tax Map R18, Lots 10 & 11); Property was known as Hillside Drive now known as Great Pine Circle; This sub-division is to create 5 new lots from a 90.6 acre parcel.
Bruce Pohopek - Pohopek Land Surveyors presenting on behalf of applicant.
Jason Lauze - recused himself from application (Paul Cardinal is building a new home for him on Great Pine Circle).
There are 5 lots circled in orange as identified on the plan, the smallest lot will be 1.87 acres and the largest will be 4.14, there is 40,000+- of contiguous uplands, presently there are 2 existing homes on lot 10-5 and 10-6; septic and well have been approved, the 2 existing homes are part of the 5-lot sub-division.
Chairman King turns the floor over to Paul Esswein for comment / input. There are a couple of points to mention: 10.6 and 10.8 future sub-division, 10.5 has 100' encroachment on the 100' stream buffer, could not locate a special use permit; Paul Cardinal interjects the house was built in the Spring of 2003, Paul Esswein that is not an issue, note that the flood map referenced incorrect date, should be 05-17-2005, a waiver would be required under Section 4.08(B) of the subdivision regulations. It is a complete application as long as the flood map reference is corrected.
Paul Parker questions houses on lots 10-5 and 10-6, questions if this is adjustment of lot line? Does 10-4 have existing house, Bruce Pohopek replies no only lots 10-5 and 10-6 have homes.
Paul Esswein comments that a major portion of lot 10-8 falls into lot 11. Bruce Pohopek replies - comes in 2 tracks.
Chairman King discusses lot lines and adjustment that are required to bring both parcels into compliance with existing houses that overlap lots 10 and 11. Paul Esswein gives his opinion about how the lot lines should be drawn. Suggestion was made to possibly merge the two lots into one.
Charles Wibel questions 7 lots and not 5 lots to be sub-divided by taking out 2 lots and combine into 1 lot.
Hiram Watson - no comment
Chairman King - plan shows 2 different lot lines and 2 different sub divisions.
Jim Horgan - no ready for comment
Paul Esswein - should survey both parcels for consolidation and then could do subdivision.
Chairman King - major subdivision required and delineation of wetlands need to be addressed.
Jim Horgan motions to continue hearing to the next regularly scheduled Planning Board Meeting of
09-06-2005, 2nd Charles Wibel, any discussion; note that at the next meeting request for waivers will need to be presented and the board as a whole will review and approve. Hiram Watson questions the 78 acres that will be left after the subdivision; Bruce Pohopek asks if the waivers are to be in writing; Chairman King - yes; David Kestner in continuation he'd like it noted that there are tremendous wetlands and he suggests topos, of remaining area showing no substantial wetlands impacted; no further discussion, all those in favor of continuing to the next regularly scheduled Planning Board Meeting, motion passes.
8:45 p.m.
Chairman King motions for a 5-minute recess, 2nd David Kestner, no further discussion, all those in favor, motion passes.
8:55 p.m.
Chairman King calls the meeting back to order; Begins by motioning for a compliance hearing to be held in regards to Rizzo Phase III development in Cherub Estates, 2nd Jim Horgan, motion continues to move hearing to the next Planning Board Workshop Meeting of 08-16-2005, 2nd Jim Horgan, any discussion; Paul Parker just wants to add a comment that if any previous board member that sat in on the Rizzo development phases and could attend or send input to the Planning Board it would be helpful to this board to insure Rizzo Development is in compliance, no further discussion, all those in favor, motion passes.
Jim Horgan gives update on the Conservation Commissions latest meeting: comprised mostly of new members, agenda of maps - individual not at meeting, 180 acre looking to acquire, no keys for building, Conservation Commission has no home, Megan will work with Kerry Mucher at Recreation Center to insure access, would like input from the Planning Board on "trigger" items, Randy Orvis expressed concern about little guy getting projects, RSA 36A to identify what Conservation Commissions responsibilities are.
9:07 p.m.
Charles Wibel motions to adjourn, 2nd Paul Parker, no further discussion, all those in favor, motion passes.
APPROVED AS WRITTEN 09-06-2005
______________________________________ _____________________________
Charlie King, Chairman Date
Farmington Planning Board
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