TOWN OF FARMINGTON
PLANNING BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday – May 19, 2009
356 Main Street - Farmington, NH
Members Present: Chairman Paul Parker, Charlie Doke, David Kestner, Tracy Major, Cindy Snowdon and Glen Demers.
Members Excused: Tim Moody
Selectman’s Rep: Charlie King
Staff Present: Daniel Merhalski, Director of Planning and Community Development
Public Present: Catherine Howard, Kathy King and Sylvia Arcouette
Chairman Paul Parker called the meeting to order at 6:02pm.
Business Before the Board:
- Continued Discussion on Amendment of Planning Board Rules and Procedures – Paul read the Rules and Procedures as previously amended for the second time and the Board agreed to the wording.
Charlie Doke motioned to accept the Planning Board Rules and Procedures as written, 2nd Charlie King. Motion carried.
- Discussion on Minor Site Plan Review – Determination of Hazardous Impact and Request for Waiver of Fees – By Northern Strafford County Juvenile Court Diversion Program d.b.a. CHANCES (Tax Map U-6, Lot 8).
Dave Kestner motioned to defer this discussion until the public hearing at 6:30pm, 2nd Charlie Doke. Motion carried with Charlie King abstaining.
- Paul introduced the new alternate member, Glen Demers and seated him for Tim Moody.
- Discussion on Planning Board Meeting Schedule Changes –
Paul reminded the Board that they briefly discussed the viability of changing the meeting schedule during the last meeting to better serve applicants needing relief from the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA). Charlie King suggested flip-flopping the workshop and regular meeting or changing to the 2nd and 4th Tuesday, though he would prefer the first. The Board discussed the implications of moving the meeting schedule around and agreed that holding the Workshop Meeting on the first Tuesday of the month and the Regular Meeting on the third Tuesday would help speed up the permitting process.
Charlie King motioned to flip-flop the workshop and regular meetings for the remainder of 2009, 2nd Charlie Doke. Motion carried.
Public Hearing at 6:33pm
New Cases:
- Discussion of Minor Site Plan Review – Determination of Hazardous Impact and Request for Waiver of Fees – By: Northern Strafford County Juvenile Court Diversion Program d.b.a. CHANCES (Tax Map U-6, Lot 8).
Charlie Doke and Charlie King recused themselves from the discussion due to a conflict of interest and left the room. Catherine Howard gave a brief explanation of the CHANCES program noting that they provide support and education to children between the ages of 8-18 who have been involved in the judicial system or are close to being part of it. Dan explained because he was not familiar with the nature of the business he was being overly cautious by bringing the determination of whether or not the applicant poses a Hazardous Impact to the Board. After discussing the program the Board agreed there would not be a Hazardous Impact.
Catherine Howard explained that they are a non-profit and with federal funding being cut they would really appreciate the waiver of fees. Paul responded that typically the Board has not waived fees because there is a cost to the Town to review the application in the form of staff, copying, meeting, etc. Cindy asked Dan what the fees included and Dan replied there is a $200 base fee, $75 for the newspaper ad and $9 for each abutters notice (about 9 abutters). Cindy asked if the Board could split the costs up for consideration of waivers. Tracy asked if the fees would make or break the application and Ms. Howard replied probably yes, because it is equivalent to a week’s salary. Cindy Snowdon motioned to waive the $200 base fee with the applicant being responsible for the newspaper
ad at $75 and the abutter notices at $9 a piece, 2nd Tracy Major. Motion carried with Tracy Major, Cindy Snowdon and Glen Demers in favor and Dave Kestner and Paul Parker opposed.
At 7:16pm, Dave Kestner motioned for a recess, 2nd Cindy Snowdon. Motion carried.
At 7:25 the Board reconvened.
- Discussion on Town Cistern Policy:
Dan explained that the Fire Chief was unable to make tonight’s meeting but noted that he would be available for the June 16th meeting. Dan requested that the Board continue the discussion until the 16th. Charlie King motioned to continue the discussion on the Town Cistern Policy to June 16, 2009, 2nd Charlie Doke. Motion carried.
- Continued to June 2, 2009 – Public Hearing pursuant to RSA 674:54 – Governmental Use of Land – Town of Farmington – Presentation for proposed Waste Water Treatment Facility upgrade and new construction off Baldwins Way (Tax Map U-9, Lot 31) and request for report to Board of Selectmen. The project will include construction of Rapid Infiltration Basins (RIBs), upgrades to the existing Waste Water Treatment Plant and new construction of facilities needed for the upgraded treatment facility.
Dan noted that he forgot to post the public hearing in the newspaper in time after the last meeting so he had to post it for June 2. He apologized and explained that this will not hold up the project in anyway. Charlie King motioned to continue the public hearing for the Wastewater Treatment Facility to June 2, 2009, 2nd Dave Kestner. Motion carried.
1. Dan stated that in planning training for the new members he thought it might be a good idea to present the information during a workshop session for everyone. The Planning Board agreed with this idea and decided it should be on July 7th.
2. Dan informed the Board that he would not be available for the October 6th meeting because he is getting married on October 3rd and will be on his honeymoon that week and that the Board could either reschedule it, or meet without him if they felt comfortable doing so.
Charlie King motioned to reschedule the October 6th meeting to October 13th, 2nd Tracy Major. Motion carried.
Tracy Major motioned to adjourn, 2nd Dave Kestner. Motion carried with all in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 7:58pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Brandy Sanger
Recording Secretary
___________________________ _________________
Paul Parker, Chairman Date
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