ADDITIONAL
TOWN OF FARMINTON
PLANNING BOARD MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY - SEPTEMBER 11, 2007
356 Main Street - Farmington, NH
Members Present: Chairman Charlie King, Hiram Watson, Paul Parker, David Kestner, Don MacVane, Gerry Gibson and Cindy Snowdon.
Absent: David Meehan - Alternate - without notification
Jim Horgan - with notification
Selectmen's Rep: Joan Funk
S.R.P.C.: Julie LaBranche, Strafford Regional Planning Commission, excused with notification
Public Present: Cyndi Paulin, John Law, Rick Mahoney and Jeff Murray.
Chairman King called the meeting to order at 6:03 pm and seated Alternate Gerry Gibson for Jim Horgan. Chairman King announced that the purpose of this meeting is to hold a discussion on what residents and the Board would like to see for sidewalk requirements in town.
Charlie informed the public and the Board that Cyndi Paulin of the Preservation Guild drafted a Pedestrian Transportation Plan a few years ago and that Joel Moulton, Public Works Director, has a budget line item set aside for the purpose of continuing sidewalk projects.
Charlie suggested the Board consider adopting a tiered sidewalk regulation within the subdivision regulations that might include extended, gravel paths in the RR with cement curbs in dense areas like the UR and VC. Paul responded that the Road and Driveway Standard Guidelines might be a better place for such regulations.
Joan stated this Board really needs to define “sidewalk” first.
David questioned how much cost is the Planning Board going to pass along to small subdivisions for extra drainage and clearing in considering walking paths and or cement curbs. Paul responded that the Board would have to look at applications with common sense.
John Law asked if there are any types of sidewalk plans/regulations to use as template from other towns? The Board responded that in doing a search, they found none, but that such regulations are probably included within other documents. Mr. Law added that when considering sidewalks the Board would need to consider the maintenance of those sidewalks and who would be responsible.
Charlie stated that Mr. Law made some very good points and that the Board might want to clearly designate areas of high importance for sidewalks; like in main transportation corridors and within the 1 ½ mile radius of the schools.
Hiram stated that he believes the Board should decide on an individual basis what is needed for sidewalks. The decisions should be based on need and the Board should have the flexibility to decide without setting a precedent.
Don stated that in some areas like the RR the Board might want to have a plan in place with easements set aside for future use when enough development is created that requires a sidewalk. Paul questioned who would fund the sidewalk?
Cyndi questioned if the Board has any sidewalk requirements now for developments that are within the walking route to school? Charlie responded no. She also stated that she is working on a grant to get money to help purchase signs to make crossings safer and to repair the existing sidewalks and that it appears there will be no more grant money for this type for at least 6-8 years. Cyndi also informed the Board that in her conversations with Joel Moulton she learned that asphalt sidewalks do not hold up and that concrete ones are the best but run approximately $100 a foot.
Charlie asked if Cyndi has an inventory of the sidewalks that exist in town now. Cyndi responded that she has a list but that she needs to compile them.
Hiram added that sidewalks should be created to attach Campbell Commons to the Tiger Trail. Don asked if a map of the Tiger Trail is available. Cyndi stated that Planning Office should have a copy from when the original grant was written.
Charlie stated that this Board can continue to negotiate sidewalks with developers but they would need the monetary support from the Town to create connectivity of the sidewalks.
Jeff Murray, resident on Governor’s Road, said that he thinks the Board is on the right track but that they should not forget the rural developments. A 5-foot gravel shoulder provides nothing for pedestrians because of erosion causes it to become impassable. He suggested sidewalks with curbs even in rural areas for safe walking. He recommended the Board require sidewalks in all zones and then the applicants can request a waiver if needed. He added that the extra costs of the sidewalks would only add value to the developments because of accessibility and safety.
Don MacVane stated that the Board should set standards for developers to work from regarding sidewalks and that also the Board should get maps to see what is needed for sidewalks in the downtown infrastructure.
David Kestner added that he agrees with sidewalks in the downtown area but has a problem with requiring sidewalks on the Westside of Rte. 11 in developments that do not have interior roads.
Joan commented that she strongly believes in the sidewalks for children to walk to school on and that she hopes the Town will continue to budget money for sidewalk repairs and construction.
Rick Mahoney, resident of Governor’s Road, stated that he believes there should not be sidewalks on 3 acre lots but definitely in higher density subdivisions like the Governor’s Road subdivision. He also added that the sidewalks need to be included in some type of regulations from the Town so that the Board has something to back them up.
Charlie stated that based on tonight’s discussion he would like to task the planner, Public Works Director and others to put forth a draft and/or goals for sidewalk regulations that will include; 1. what level of requirements and in what areas, 2. sidewalk definition, 3. map of downtown sidewalk infrastructure and 4. what money is set aside already for sidewalk construction.
Don MacVane motioned to continue the sidewalk discussion to 10-16-07, 2nd Paul Parker. Motion passed with all in favor.
Gerry Gibson motioned to adjourn, 2nd Don MacVane. Motion passed with all in favor.
Chairman King adjourned the meeting at 7:27 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Brandy Sanger
Recording Secretary
APPROVED AS WRITTEN; 10-02-2007
______________________________ _________________
Charlie King, Chairman Date
Farmington Planning Board
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