TOWN OF FARMINGTON
PLANNING BOARD MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY - JUNE 5, 2007
356 Main Street - Farmington, NH
Members Present: Chairman Charlie King (joined the meeting at 6:40pm), Hiram Watson, Paul Parker, David Kestner, Don MacVane, Jim Horgan and Alternates Gerry Gibson and
Cindy Snowdon.
Absent: David Meehan - Alternate - without notification
Selectmen's Rep: Joan Funk
S.R.P.C. Julie LaBranche, Strafford Regional Planning Commission
Public Present: Bruce Cartwright, Tony Alcorn, Cathy Place, Bud Place, Randy Tetreault, F.X.Bruton, Richard Mahoney, Jeffrey Murray, Gayle Willard, Shan Biron, Debbie Howell,
Chris Biron, Matthew Robinson, Frank Robinson, David DeJager, Troy Robidas,
Andy Tobin and Rick Lundborn.
Vice-Chairman Don MacVane called the meeting to order at 6pm.
Don MacVane informed the Board that Chairman Charlie King would be late tonight and seated Gerry Gibson in his seat.
Old Business:
Review of Minutes: Hiram Watson motioned to accept the minutes of 5/1/2007 as amended, Jim Horgan seconded. Motion carried.
Jim Horgan motioned to accept the minutes of 5/15/2007 as written, Hiram Watson seconded. Motion carried with Don MacVane, Joan Funk and David Kestner abstaining.
Request from P.S.N.H. to hold a public hearing Re: Tree trimming along Poor Farm Road, classified as a scenic road.
Jim Horgan moved to schedule the public hearing for P.S.N.H on June 19, 2007, Paul Parker seconded. Motion carried.
Discussion By: Julie LaBranche, Sr. Land Use Planner - Strafford Regional Planning; Re: Administrative approval for the issuance of Zoning Permits.
Don MacVane informed the Board that Julie asked for this item to be removed from tonight's agenda.
Approval of Yearly (08-06 through 08-07) Excavation Permit By: Barron Brothers for Dottie Bean on Meetinghouse Hill Road (Tax Map R21, Lot #15)
Jim Horgan moved to approve the excavation permit by Barron Brothers for Dottie Bean (Tax Map R21, Lot #15), Paul Parker seconded. Motion carried.
Other Business:
Don MacVane informed the Board that there are a lot of documents coming in regards to bids for professional services. He suggested having the full copies of the bids put in the planning office where the board members can review them to save on paper and administrative time in copying. Julie LaBranche and Paul Parker agreed and stated that maybe if the board members just received a copy of the introductory letters with the quotes that would be more feasible.
Paul Parker motioned for a 10 minutes recess, Gerry Gibson seconded. Motion carried. Meeting recessed at 6:21pm.
Vice-Chairman Don MacVane reconvened the meeting at 6:30pm and opened the public hearing.
New Business:
Public Hearing 6:30 P.M.
Continuation of Discussion form 10-3-2006 & 12-5-2006; By: Donald Sullivan & Lisa Beede (Tax Map R48, Lot #10); in regards to Site Plan Review Application to operate a sign installation business from their residence located at 268 Charles Street; in the (RR) Rural Residential Zoning District: Zoning Board of Adjustment approval for a (SE) Special Exception granted on 6-1-2006 with several conditions.
Don MacVane informed the Board the applicants requested a continuation so they have time to complete their work. Jim Horgan motion to continue the discussion by Donald Sullivan & Lisa Beede (Tax Map R48, Lot #10) until July 3, 2007, David Kestner seconded. Discussion followed that this meeting date precedes the 4th and may need to be rescheduled. David Kestner removed his second and the motion failed.
Hiram Watson motioned to change the July 3, 2007 Planning Board meeting until July 10, 2007, David Kestner seconded. Motion carried.
Jim Horgan motioned to continue the discussion by Donald Sullivan & Lisa Beede (Tax Map R48, Lot #10) until July 10, 2007, Hiram Watson seconded. Discussion was held that the applicants would need to be notified of this meeting time. Motion carried.
Continuation of Discussion: Re: Reclamation Plan Review Per the N.O.D. (Notice of Decision) dated 9-7-2006; 4th condition of approval review; By: A.J. Foss (John and/or Paul Cardinal) (Tax Map R19, Lot #24); Property located at 100 Cocheco Road; in the (RR) Rural Residential Zoning District.
Hiram Watson motioned to move this item further down on the agenda since the applicants were not present, Gerry Gibson seconded. Motion carried.
Continuation of Site Review Application from 2-6-2007 & 5-1-2007; By: Elm Street Farmington, LLC (Tax Map U06, Lot #4); to allow the move of a current approved house site to the rear of the lot; to add storage unit to existing pad, to extend the pavement past the previously pre-approved area; Property known as Mechanic Street; Located in the (VC) Village Center Zoning District.
David DeJager informed the board that he has decided to change the proposed garages to storage units as discussed at the last meeting and handed out site plans with landscaping and lighting shown and a post development drainage plan. He is proposing 14 storage units - one for each of the 13 units and one for him to store maintenance equipment. Joan Funk asked if the storage units would be strictly for the tenants of this development and he responded yes. Mr. DeJager added that he spoke with the Fire Chief and was told that the storage units would not need to be separated because they are pre-fab metal but to meet code standards the slab will be cut in half. Paul Parker asked if the storage units would have lighting and Mr. DeJager responded no.
Mr. DeJager stated he needs this board's approval for the paving that he already installed plus for the extra paving he is proposing with this application. Paul asked what the length of the paving strip in total would be. Mr. DeJager responded there is 120 feet that was installed, but not approved and he is proposing another 210 feet; with the paving starting 10 feet off the property line.
David Kestner questioned how Mr. DeJager is proposing to keep the grass space in front of the storage units from being rutted up from vehicles. Mr. DeJager responded that there is granite curbing between the parking spaces and the grass area to keep tenants from driving on the grass.
Mr. DeJager informed the Board that he is requesting a waiver from the 25-foot greenspace requirement between buildings and the abutters because the location in the Village Center does not allow for this spacing. He is proposing to landscape the area between and create as much greenspace as space allows.
Mr. DeJager also added that he will be shielding the dumpsters with an eight foot stockade fence and that he plans on approaching his abutter to see if he can replace the rusted chain link fence with a new one.
Paul questioned if Mr. DeJager had addressed Julie LaBranche's concerns with the parking space by the access road from the last meeting. He responded yes, that he removed the space. Mr. DeJager added that he also had his engineer consult with PSNH and they foresee no issues with being able to service the proposed modular home site.
Mr. DeJager read a note he had written as a result of a phone conservation he had with the Public Works Director, Joel Moulton on 10-12-06 regarding some large pooling that was occurring as a result of a large storm. He reported that he has addressed all the issues and the pooling was primarily caused by clogged up drains and ditches. Julie questioned what his drainage plan is for behind the dumpsters. He responded that the water pools there and then percolates down into the ground. Julie also questioned the run-off from the roof of the new structure. Mr. DeJager responded that he will be installing gutters and then something like stone on the ground to break the flow.
Paul Parker questioned the size of the roof on the storage units. Mr. DeJager said that he questioned it to but when he double-checked with the engineer he said it was okay. Paul also questioned where the water flow was derived from that is depicted on the plan. Mr. DeJager responded that he made a basic plan by observing and then had his in-house surveyor compare to what he had drafted in regards to the elevations and they matched.
David Kestner pointed out that the elevation of the building slab is not shown on the plan. Mr. DeJager responded that it must have been shut off on this particular print but he can certainly add it.
Paul Parker motioned to accept the application by Mr. DeJager for Tax Map U06, Lot #4 as substantially complete, Hiram Watson seconded. Discussion followed that David Kestner did not believe the application was complete because their is no confirmation of the water flow, no elevation for the slabs, the grading for the snow spots are not shown, the elevation and grades need to be superimposed on the plans and he is concerned that the 4 foot frost wall might not be able to be installed where it is proposed.
At 7:22pm Vice-Chairman Don MacVane paused the meeting due to power failure.
Jim Horgan motioned for a five-minute recess, Paul Parker seconded. Motion carried.
Vice-Chairman Don MacVane called the meeting back to order at 7:30pm and informed the public that there would not be further cable coverage of the meeting due to technical difficulties as a result of the power loss.
Discussion continued from the previous motion. David DeJager responded to David Kestner's comments stating that he has worked in tight spots before and he is not worried at all about getting the machinery in to install the frost wall for the new home. Paul Parker added that the final plans would have the elevations and grades turned on. David Kestner also stated that this board needs confirmation from Joel Moulton that the memo regarding the pooling of water and drainage issues was correct and the items have been rectified. Motion carried with David Kestner opposed.
Julie LaBranche did suggest that Mr. DeJager review all the narratives in his original application to make sure they are still correct.
Hiram Watson motioned to accept the waiver presented by Mr. DeJager for the 25 foot buffer requirement, Jim Horgan seconded. Discussion followed that Julie believes he should change the waiver to not be completely waived from the 25 foot buffer but to actually develop a plan that clearly show the buffer footages and the landscaping plans and perhaps stating a range of how much he needs the buffer reduced by. Hiram Watson withdrew the motion and Jim Horgan agreed.
Jim Horgan motioned to continue the Site Review Application for Tax Map U06, Lot #4 until June 19, 2007, Hiram Watson seconded. Motion carried.
Chairman Charlie King took over the meeting at 8:00pm and Gerry Gibson was seated back in the audience.
Continuation of a Minor Full Site Plan Review from 5-1-2007; By S & E Construction (Tax Map R59, Lot #4); For the approval to construct a proposed 40' X 80' building; for use as a contract yard and bulk material stockpile; Parcel is 1.18 acre; Located at 1078 NH Route 11; in the (IB) Industrial Business Zoning District; Presented by Crown Point Survey & Engineering, LLC.
Charlie King motioned to move this item further down the agenda to give the applicant time to contact Crown Point Survey & Engineering, LLC, Hiram Watson seconded. Motion carried.
Continuation of Subdivision Application form 5-1-2007; By Governors Road Realty, LLC (Tax Map R1, Lot #1 & 1-1); Property located on Governors Road; in the (RR) Rural Residential Zoning District; Presented by Norway Plains Associates, Inc.
The Attorney for this applicant, FX Bruton of McNeill, Taylor and Gallo informed the board that a traffic study is currently being done and that Rick Lundborn from Norway Plains would be presenting the proposal.
Mr. Lundborn stated that the applicant is proposing 22 lots with a 22-foot wide road that has 2-foot shoulders. He stated that after discussing some of the concerns brought up at the last meeting with his traffic consultant he was told that the left turn out of the Rochester entrance would require some brush and limb trimming and then it would be acceptable. He also stated that the traffic consultant stated the stopping distance on Governor's Road is ample and the right hand turn has an adequate amount of space. All of these statements should be substantiated in the traffic study report.
Mr. Lundborn also presented the Board with some information regarding the multiple well issues that were brought up at the last meeting. The study he provided demonstrated there would be ample water flow for the development and should not affect the abutter’s well yields. Paul questioned if the depth of the wells was considered. Mr. Lundborn responded yes and that the plans show 400 foot deep wells. He then went on to explain that he has not had time to contact the fire department to see what their suggestions were for fire protection but that he would certainly do so. Another area of concern that was addressed was the green space area within the development. Mr. Lundborn stated that the plan shows 33.65 acres of greenspace, which actually exceeds the requirement. and as far as the
Class II wetlands he will need to apply for a Special Use Permit through the Conservation Commission.
Mr. Lundborn stated that the stonewalls, trees and detention basins have been added to the plans and that he has not addressed the mailbox issue yet. Paul questioned if he had put any thought into the school bus stop. Mr. Lundborn responded that he added a school bus stop as well as light poles at each end of the development and one in the middle.
Charlie King informed the Board that Julie received three proposals for third party review for this application though they are very broad and appear to differ in the scope of work they quoted for. Julie stated that all three companies are reputable and offer different strengths. Horsely Witten offers specialized capabilities, LC Engineering is familiar with the area and CLD is local and came in with the lowest quote. Charlie King motioned to do the final quoting for third party review for the Governors Road Application (Tax Map R1, Lot #1 & 1-1) with CLD Engineering, Hiram Watson seconded. Motion carried with Paul Parker opposed.
Charlie King asked what Mr. Lundborn feels is needed for third party review. He responded that he would expect this Board to need the drainage study, review and plan and the traffic study and plan reviewed. Julie LaBranche agreed with this assessment but would like the Board to make a specific list of issues they would like to be reviewed. Jim Horgan suggested the sidewalks development, road development and offsite road conditions (as a result of construction) be looked at. Attorney Buxton suggested having CLD Engineering immediately review the drainage and traffic studies and then the board can ask for additional review after that. Julie will communicate with Norway Plains with the estimates from CLD Engineering. Hiram added that he would like CLD to consider the bus stop safety and
sidewalk requirements. Charlie King motioned to task CLD Engineering to do an initial review of the traffic and drainage studies provided by Norway Plains, Hiram Watson seconded. Motion carried.
Paul Parker moved to send a copy of the application to the abutting towns to inform them of the regional impact, David Kestner seconded. Discussion followed that Don MacVane did not feel this development would have a regional impact though he thinks it is good practice to inform neighboring towns of what is being developed that way they can attend public hearing if they choose to. Motion carried with Don MacVane and Hiram Watson opposed.
Chairman Charlie King opened the discussion to the public.
Jeff Murray, abutter, asked the Board to consider having CLD Engineering review the subdivision plans, the north entrance left hand turn, and the fact that the abutting existing wells do not have a great yield so how will new wells effect them. Lastly, he suggested the open space area be looked at further because the area proposed is very sloped and primarily wetlands.
Richard Mahoney of 109 Governor's Road reiterated Mr. Murray's comments and added that he would like CLD Engineering to review the site distance requirements of a collector’s street. Plus he would like to see sidewalks within the development.
Troy Robidas another abutter addressed some other concerns regarding the multi-family unit. He requested the Board look at the parking at this unit that is on the street and shouldn't be and the driveway that has been put in on the right side of the unit (he does not believe this was approved.) He would like to the calculation for the contiguous uplands for the multi-family unit. Plus he noticed that the detention ponds block the entrance to the open space area making it unusable and wondered what procedures are in place to maintain the detention ponds. Lastly, he informed the board that he has already noticed his well draw decrease with the developments that have occurred over the past several years.
Don MacVane motioned to continue the meeting until 10pm, Jim Horgan seconded. Motion passed with all in favor.
Attorney Buxton added that he does not believe this application should be subject to site plan regulations and Charlie tasked Julie to look into this.
Don MacVane motioned to continue this application regarding Tax Map R1, lot #1 & 1-1 until July 10, 2007, Paul Parker seconded. Motion carried.
Continuation of a Minor Site Plan Review from 5-1-2007 By: S & E Construction (Tax Map R59, Lot #4).
Don MacVane motioned to continue this discussion until July 10, 2007, Paul Parker seconded. Motion carried.
Charlie King motioned for a five-minute recess, Hiram Watson seconded. Motion carried with Paul Parker and Don MacVane opposed.
Chairman King recessed the meeting at 9:25pm.
Chairman King reconvened the meeting at 9:32pm.
Application for a Non-residential Site Review; By North & South Investors, LLC (Tax Map R20, Lot #1-2); Located on Main Street/Rout 153 - vacant lot; in the (CC) Commercial Center Zoning District; for the approval to construct a new 5000 square foot building; Presented by Norway Plains Associates, Inc.
Randy Tetreault of Norway Plains Associates informed the Board that there was a zoning issue with this application in regards to the frontage requirement. They have requested a lot-line revision to create frontage for Lot 1-2 in conformance with the zoning requirements in the CC District. Mr. Tetreault also explained that there is also an issue with the water line in regards to the lot-line adjustment but that they are working with Dale Sprague to resolve this issue before the next meeting.
Charlie King questioned why the access to the back of the property was not moved closer to where an addition might be put in. Mr. Tetreault replied that he basically left it where it was because they just use it to move trucks around and such.
Mr. Tetreault brought up the point that this development is very close to the required10% of impervious surface coverage under Section 4.01 (D) of the Zoning Ordinance. Julie explained this requirement is because the area is in an aquifer protection area. Julie informed the Board that she had a discussion with Mr. Tetreault to explain that this 10% could be changed a little if he shows how he is going to protect the aquifer by treating the water run-off.
Don MacVane motioned to extend the meeting until 10:15pm, David Kestner seconded. Motion carried.
Andy Tobin from North & South Investors provided building plans for the proposed building to the Board. They are proposing a pre-engineered one-story steel building with siding, similar to the Three Phase building. He stated that he has met with the Fire Chief and the Code Enforcement Officer and was informed the building would not require a sprinkler system though he is looking into the feasibility of one anyway. Lastly they are proposing one sign at the front of the building to be about 10.5-11 feet in size. Julie LaBranche requested that they look at the architectural requirements for the area so they will be aware of any waiver they need to request.
Jim Horgan moved to continue the discussion for Tax map R20, Lot #1-2 until July 10, 2007, Don MacVane seconded. Motion carried.
Other:
Julie LaBranche requested clarification from the board regarding the definition of non-buildable land in the Open Space Cluster Development Standards Section of the Zoning Ordinance. She questioned specifically whether development was prohibited on steep slopes, as steep slopes are considered “non-buildable land”. She explained that the steep slope ordinance does have provisions for development on steep slopes, and questioned which requirement of these two sections would apply to an Open Space Subdivision. The question was raised for clarification by the consultant for the NewDam subdivision project, which may include several lots and a portion of a road that may impact steep slopes.
Charlie King reported that he was informed by Cyndi Paulin that the final Design Manual is ready and she will provide copies and some CDs to the Board and that she requested the final payment of $2500 to pay for these.
Continuation of Discussion for A.J. Foss: from earlier in the evening
Seeing there was no one present for this discussion the item was tabled. Paul Parker moved to continue the discussion for Tax Map R19, Lot #24 until August 7, 2007, Jim Horgan seconded. Motion carried.
Don MacVane motioned to adjourn, David Kestner seconded. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 10:31pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Brandy Sanger
Recording Secretary
APPROVED AS WRITTEN 07-10-2007
______________________________________ ___________________
Charlie King, Chairman Date
Farmington Planning Board
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