Town of Farmington
Planning Board Workshop
June 20, 2006
Present: Paul Esswein (Town Planner), Paul Parker (BOS Rep), Charlie King, Hiram Watson, David Kestner
Guests: Dale Sprague of Water and Sewer Department
Meeting called to order at 6:06pm by Chairman Charlie King
Old Business
Public Hearing
1st reading by the Planning Board for the adoption of the design review guideline entitled "Farmington Design Manual Volume II" for the Urban and Commercial Mix Use Zoning Districts completed by the Farmington Preservation Guild. All members were in consensus that the guide was well done, covered a wide range of materials and reads well. Charlie King asked Paul Esswein, Town Planner, to create a one page summary of the Manual for the next meeting.
Jim Horgan moved to have the 2nd public hearing for the manual on July 11, 2006, Hiram Watson seconded. Discussion followed if there needed to be 30 days between readings for postings and Paul Esswein reported no there only needed to be 10 days. Discussion on the time followed and the reading will be at 6:30pm to allow for administrative time at the beginning of the meeting. Motion passed.
Discussion continued
Subject of expansion of the (VC) Village Center District and re-alignment of all zoning districts continued form 1-10-2006, 4-18-2006, and 5-23-2006. This was originally prompted by a petition brought forth on a warrant article last year. The issues of concern in the petition were that new structures in the UR were not aesthetically compatible with others in the district. Paul Esswein reported that by increasing densities the board would be allowing "old" properties to be remodeled and used.
Paul Parker noted that part of the issue is that some of the "new" lots in the (UR) Urban Residential Zoning District are being overwhelmed and built to utilize every bit of space. He suggested changes to the (VC) Village Center Zoning District so that developers could use the bottom floor of buildings for retail space downtown and the upper floors for living space, allowing for more economic use. Right now the upper floors are not usable because of restrictions on units per square feet. Plus the board should create standards for subtracting space like wetlands that cannot be developed on.
Paul Esswein said that one way to help with this concern would be to establish a coverage ratio. Right now the VC has a height restriction of 55 feet (approx. 4 stories). By doing this it would encourage owners to develop up instead of out.
Jim Horgan asked if guest, Dale Sprague of the Waste Water Plant could report to the board how the plant is doing before further discussion of zoning changes and expansion so that the board would be knowledgeable on what the system could carry.
New Business
Water/ Sewer Plant
Dale Sprague reported that any density changes within the VC area should not impact the plant as it exists today. The current system is designed to carry up to 350,000 gallons per day and on average we use 250,000. Right now the system is currently working over 500,000 gallons because of the water table being so full. The excess water is just ground water and the expectation is that once the ground water level recedes so will the daily intake? The plant is currently looking for defective pipes, leaking joints and leaders coming in at specific points like Garfield-Mechanic Streets,153/Charles St, Orange St and Central St.
Jim Horgan asked where does a problem develop if the UR was expanded and would it be okay with the Plant to expand the VC. Dale Sprague responded that a study in 2002 on population growth predictions found that an addition of 480 units would bring the current system to max. But by 2008 the town would need to come up with a plan to upgrade the current plant to meet new standards of removing ammonia and therefore should increase the size of the plant at the same time.
Paul Parker asked if there are parts of zones that cause more concern than others for the water department and that there shouldn't be more development in. Dale responded no that he has not seen any surcharging of lines but that some areas above 4oo feet elevation would have to have a booster station or storage tank because there is not enough pressure to send the water higher.
Paul Esswein asked if the town is near capacity for water supply. Dale responded that we have plenty of water. Paul Parker asked if Dale had any other concerns for large scale developments. Dale responded that he would like to recommend looking into making some changes into the ownership or maintaining of water/sewer utilities that landowners currently own after construction. Dale has a template for a policy that would meet his needs and he will bring it to the planning board for evaluation.
Charlie King moved for a 5-minute recess at 7:43pm, Jim Horgan seconded, motion passed.
Meeting reconvened at 7:51pm
Charlie King thanked Dale Sprague for his attendance and valuable information.
Charlie King requested drafts for proposals for the redevelopment and extension of the VC, density changes in the UR and a look at the assessing tax differential between the VC and UR from Paul Esswein.
Jim Horgan motioned to continue discussion on VC and UR on July 18, 2006, David Kestner seconded. No discussion, motion passed.
Jim Horgan motioned to adjourn, Hiram Watson seconded, motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 7:54pm
Respectfully submitted
Brandy Sanger
APPROVED AS AMENDED 07-11-2006
1ST Page; last paragraph; 1st through 4th lines; add (UR) Urban Residential Zoning District and (VC) Village Center Zoning District respectfully; changes noted in bold type.
___________________________________ ____________________
Charlie King, Chairman Date
Farmington Planning Board
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