TOWN OF FARMINGTON
PLANNING BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday – July 7, 2009
356 Main Street - Farmington, NH
Members Present: Chairman Paul Parker, Charlie Doke, David Kestner, Tim Moody, Tracy Major, Cindy Snowdon and Glen Demers.
Members Excused: Cindy Snowdon
Selectman’s Rep: Charlie King
Staff Present: Daniel Merhalski, Director of Planning and Community Development
Chairman Paul Parker called the meeting to order at 6:14pm.
Business Before the Board:
1. Chairman Paul Parker seated Glen Demers for Tracy Major. Paul then thanked Dan for his service and guidance and wished him luck on his future endeavors.
2. Planning Board Training on Site Plan Review: Dan lead a training for the members on the fundamentals of site plan review.
3. Discussion on Town Cistern Policy: The Board reviewed the draft Cistern Policy.
A. Administration Section – Charlie King suggested to change the requirement for a cistern from 3 lots to 5 with a 2000ft. distance. Dave commented that he was leaning more towards 10 lots and that he calculated the cost burden to be at about $3/gallon. He then added that he believes the cistern policy should not be solely for new developments but that the Town should be proactive in constructing public cisterns where they are needed as a long term goal.
Charlie K. also suggested adding the option for fire ponds and sprinkler systems. Paul stated that fire ponds are not dependable as they can freeze and the pipes can be clogged with plant life. Charlie K. brought up the point that development could occur on Baxter Lake which has plenty of water so dry hydrants should be considered as well. The Board agreed to add under 4a “individual sprinkler systems, fire ponds or dry hydrants.” It was also noted that under the definition section B, #s 1 and 2 should be moved to Authority C.
B. Section 2E – add “to aid in suppression of nearby properties.”
C. Section 2G – remove “within 10ft” part at end of definition so that the definitions are not establishing requirements.
D. Administration IV – In Section 3 of this section change to read the developer shall “provide the Planning Board” documentation therefore the Board can forward the documents to the Fire Chief for comment but all documents are coming to the Board. Under 3C add “Code Enforcement” as an authority. Subsequently section D, 1a was discussed. The Board was in agreement that any waivers should be granted by both the Fire Chief and the Planning Board. However, Charlie K. stated is does not feel the 1000 foot requirement is reasonable and suggested changing it to 2000 feet. Paul disagreed stating that he feels the 1000 ft. requirement was set for a reason and that it should not be changed. Dan stated that he
feels the 1000ft. requirement was established based on the fact that the Fire Department has two 500ft. hoses.
Dave Kestner motioned for a short recess, 2nd Charlie King. Motion carried at 8:02pm.
At 8:12pm the Board reconvened, Tracy Major arrived and Paul Parker reseated Glen Demers for Cindy Snowdon.
Paul suggested continuing the discussion on the Cistern Policy so that the Board can discuss the Aquifer Protection Overlay Ordinance changes that Dan drafted. Paul Parker motioned to continue the Cistern Policy discussion until later in the meeting, 2nd Charlie King. Motion carried.
4. Aquifer Protection Overlay Ordinance: Dan explained that he worked to change the Ordinance to simplify it and provide more protection without restricting development. Dan then reviewed the changes in the document he drafted and explained the reasons for each change. Dave pointed out that under D (10) the percentage of impervious surface does not match the percentage in F(2). Dan replied it was an oversight and he will fix it. Paul commented that he does not feel the junk and salvage yards should be stricken from the prohibited uses and Charlie K. agreed. The consensus was to leave it has prohibited.
Dave Kestner motioned to continue this discussion to the next workshop on August 4, 2nd Charlie King. Motion carried.
Dave Kestner motioned to continue the Cistern Policy discussion to the August 4 workshop, 2nd Charlie Doke. Discussion followed in which Charlie K. noted that the Chair should contact the Fire Chief to let him know the Board is still reviewing the policy and though he is welcome he does not need to attend the next workshop meeting. Motion carried with Charlie King and Tracy Major opposed.
5. Other:
a. Paul asked Dan for an update on the ZBA decision on the Miminas project and Dan replied that the ZBA granted the Use Variance so the parking requirement will be for 2 on-site spaces and that the case will be back before the Board on August 18th.
b. Paul updated the Board that the Site Plan Review Committee approved the Daycare and the CHANCES applications and that they will not have any more meetings until a new Director is hired, though there are no pending applications.
Dave Kestner motioned to adjourn, 2nd Tracy Major. Motion carried with all in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 9:02pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Brandy Sanger
Recording Secretary
___________________________ _________________
Paul Parker, Chairman Date
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