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Planning Board Minutes 09/01/2009
TOWN OF FARMINGTON
PLANNING BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday – September 1, 2009
356 Main Street - Farmington, NH

Members Present:        Chairman Paul Parker, Charlie Doke, David Kestner, Cindy Snowdon, Tracy Major, Glen Demers, Tim Moody and Jim                                   Horgan

Selectman’s Rep:        Charlie King

Chairman Paul Parker called the meeting to order at 6:20pm.

1. Fire Protection Regulations Review:
  • The Board continued their review of the draft fire protection regulations.  Charlie K. suggested relocating 2,3, and 4, noting that they are a separate discussion for ownership/responsibility.  He also suggested deleting “as determined by the Fire Department” because it is part of the easement.  Dave agreed because the fire department has authority to use any water supply without it being in a policy and the potential liability if it is “within reasonable distance” is increased if this item is listed in the regulation.
  • Under 4 the cistern will be maintained by the developer until and if such time the cistern is accepted by the Town at a Town Meeting.
  • Under 6 – Paul will check with the Fire Chief to confirm the standard has not changed and will forward a copy of the standard to the Board.
  • Under Section C – It was determined that a NH Licensed Engineer will inspect the dry hydrant.
  • Under Section D – “may be allowed if approved by the Board of Selectmen” will be added.
  • Under Section E. – Dave asked for a copy of standard #24 that is cited (Paul will check with Fire Chief) and if the design and flow capacities should meet the NFPA and not the American Water Works Association.  He also questioned where the specs are listed in this document.
  • Under Section F – Dave asked why this section is needed and does not just point to NFPA 1142-22.B.4.3.  Charlie K. replied the NFPA is just a recommendation but not as authoritative as this policy will be.  It was noted that all the referenced documents should be readily available in the planning office.  Tim suggested changing #8 in this section to the wording of #29 in the NFPA because it reads better and the Board agreed.
  • Under Section .I.3 – Charlie K. asked if “washed” crushed stone is needed and the Board agreed to take “washed” out.
  • Under Section I 5 – strike because redundant.
  • Section I. 6 – add boulders and guardrails
  • Section I. 9 – strike “until accepted by the authority having jurisdiction.”
  • Section I. 10 – Tracy questioned what other signs would the Fire Department require?
  • Section I. 12 – It was decided this did not need to be included because it make the Town liable to make sure it is being followed.
  • A discussion was held on whether or not the requirements are going to be updated when the NFPA changes.  The Planning Board decided that the Fire Chief should notify the Board of substantial changes to the NFPA so the Board can consider revisions.  Jim also stated that the NFPA cited should be dated so the appropriate source is referenced.
  • Jim brought up the point that the document is titled Fire Protection Regulations but it does not include other options like home suppression systems.  Paul replied that he spoke with the Fire Chief about this and he said he will forward more information on other systems.
  • Charlie K. suggested relocating Section V. C, D, and E to the end of the regulation so all the cistern requirements are together.  The Board agreed.
  • Jim noted that within the document the Town should be referred to as the Governing Body.
At 7:52pm, Charlie King motioned for a short recess, 2nd Dave Kestner.  Motion carried.

At 8:04pm the Board reconvened.

Charlie King motioned to continue the discussion on the fire protection regulation to October 6, 2009, 2nd Jim Horgan.  Motion carried.

2. Discussion of Wetland and Watershed Overlay District:
Charlie K. asked if the Board should seek Selectmen approval to have Mike Garrepy, interim planner, at the next workshop meeting to assist with this.  Paul stated that he feels this should be delayed until a new planner is hired.  Dave agreed, adding that the Board does not have the expertise to change this document.  Paul questioned if the Board should continue with the change of deleting the Table of Permitted Uses because this was already reviewed with the previous Planner.  The Board was in consensus that they were not comfortable making any changes without a paid professional.  Dave Kestner motioned to continue the discussion on the Wetland and Watershed Overlay Districts until such a time there is a full-time planner in Town, 2nd Charlie King.  Motion carried.

3.  Discussion of Subdivision Regulations:
Paul asked if the Board wanted to start with the draft regulations that Mike Garrepy created years ago dated 8-31-04.  Cindy asked why this document is different than the previous and shouldn’t wait for a professional to help and take ownership of.  Paul replied that the Board could do this without assistance.  Charlie K. agreed but feels this document will require a lot of work and questioned if the Board should relook at their goals and see if there is something they could accomplish this year.  Paul read the goals and Charlie K. stated he feels the Board could work on making the Sub-division Regulations and the Road and Driveway Standards agree and put Maintenance guarantees in the Subdivision Regulations.  Dave added that he feels the Board could amend the contiguous upland on certain sized lots as well and the Board agreed.  

4. Other:
  • OEP Conference in Lincoln, NH on October 17.
  • Cindy asked what happened with the Verizon tower request and Paul said the Board should see an application soon.
  • Cindy stated that she thought the Board had to vote in order for something to be sent to Legal for review but at the last meeting the interim planner had several items sent to Legal.  Paul commented that the planner should be able to utilize Legal as well.  Charlie K. stated that he feels the Board should make an official vote for legal reviews or engineer oversight though he does not have a problem with want was sent to Legal because the Board would have had it sent anyways.  Cindy added that she did not feel it was right to have something sent to Legal without the Board reviewing it and motioning.
  • Jim stated he is concerned with the frequency of which email is being used amongst the Board for communication.  He noted that some members do not have email and therefore this is not a reliable form of communication.  Jim added that the Board might want to set up some standards for emailing.

Dave Kestner motioned to adjourn, 2nd Charlie King.  Motion carried with all in favor.

Meeting adjourned at 9:18pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Brandy Sanger
Recording Secretary





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Paul Parker, Chairman                   Date