Skip Navigation
This table is used for column layout.
 
Planning Board Minutes 04/20/11
THE PLANNING BOARD
Town of Francestown
Francestown, NH 03043

April 20, 2011


APPROVED MINUTES


Planning Board Members Present: Bob Lindgren (Chairman), Linda Kunhardt, Jennifer Vadney,  Mike Tartalis, Abigail Arnold (ex-officio).

Members of the Public:  Betsy Hardwick, Prescott Tollman, Henry Camirand, Kerry Camirand, Sarah Pyle.


Chairman Lindgren calls the meeting to order at 7:12 pm.


Preliminary Consultation (continued) – Henry Camirand, Vehicle Repair Business, Oak Hill Road

Preliminary consultation continued from February 23, 2010. Board requested an update as to what has transpired since last communication with Mr. Camirand and various communications between Camirand, Francestown Village Water Company (FVWC), Planning Board and map.

B. Lindgren pointed out several issues which are confusing:

  • Town water supply: DES regulations and FVWC.
  • Is business located in a town aquifer district?
  • Is business an in-home based business?
  • Is it a Sec. 7 business?
L. Kunhardt questioned if the minutes from the February 23, 2010 meeting were ever approved.  Unknown, but several member (who were on Board at the time) feel the minutes were approved.

Lindgren begins to state that aquifer 10 lies within the subject property.

A. Arnold suggests addressing the type of business it is first.

Lindgren wants to proceed with the aquifer question, and states: #10 Auto service and repair shops are not allowed within an aquifer.

H. Camirand does not believe his business falls under the definition of an Auto Repair Shop.  Camirand further believes his business falls under all criteria of an in-home business.

L. Kunhardt questions Mr. Camirand has any official communication with the DES, or just research. No official documentation from DES regarding auto repair service and aquifers.

Board discussed communications between Camirand, DES, FVWC, etc.  Camirand shared various emails and communications, including communication with Ron Chainey, with the Board.

Board discussed what jurisdiction it has regarding aquifers and water supply.  If business falls under Sec. 7, ZBA will be involved.  Board discussed the need to establish whether or not the business is an in-home business.  Board discussed prior case brought before the Board of a similar business type.

Lindgren suggested a site inspection to determine if the business meets the in-home business criteria.  Kunhardt expressed concern that original requests by the Planning Board have not been fulfilled.

Planning Board can only approve things according to law.  Board needs proof that the business is not on the aquifer.  Board suggests Camirand obtain an engineer’s plan showing the layout.  Board needs evidence the business is not on the aquifer.

Board discussed prior inquiries as in-home businesses.  Board discussed what each criteria means and by what a business is measured.  Board discussed if any member has done business with Mr. Camirand.  Kunhardt, Arnold, Lindgren, no.  Tartalis, Martin, yes.

Board discussed if the business is conducted entirely indoors.  Kunhardt didn’t think so, Arnold and Tartalis do.  Lindgren needs to see the site.

Kunhardt noted there was trash in the possible vernal pool and water was being discharged from pipes the bank/pool.

Arnold asked how much it would cost to perform an aquifer study.  Camirand stated it would cost in excess of $5k.  Board requested Camirand to obtain a letter stating the accuracy of any such study (should it be conducted).

Board requested a site inspection and Camirand agreed.  Board wants to notice the site inspection.  Lindgren explained jurisdiction issues and site plan approval process.

Board decided to conduct a site walk.  Site walk will take place on May 3, 2011 at 6:30 pm. Notice will be posted and letters mailed to abutters and FVWC.  Discussion will follow site walk.  Camirand will provide Lindgren with addresses of abutters. Kunhardt will mail notices, etc. The notices are being mailed out as a courtesy.

Betsy Hardwick expressed concern over how her comments were reflected in the February 23, 2010 meeting minutes regarding the aquifer.  Kunhardt and Hardwick would like to clarify their actual statements.  What should be reflected is “… the subject property appears to be in the aquifer.  Neither the maps or the individual are qualified to make a determination.”


Other Matters:

Henry Camirand joins the Board as a member.  Planning Board recommends L. Stewart to assist J. Martell with his process to be in compliance.  Lindgren will contact Lisa.




Population of Open Planning Board Alternate Positions

Two positions are open; one position for a 1 year term, one position for a 3-year term.

Lindgren shared letter from Prescott Tollman.  Mr. Tollman expressed a desire to volunteer for either of the 1 or 3 year terms.

Lindgren shared letter from Larry Johnson.  Mr. Johnson expressed a desire to volunteer for the 1-year term.

Motion to appoint Prescott Tollman to Alternate for the 3-year term, by M. Tartalis.  2nd, J. Vadney.  All in favor: 6-0.

Motion to appoint Larry Johnson to Alternate for the 1-year term, by A. Arnold.  2nd, L. Kunhardt.  All in favor: 6-0.


Population of Open Master Plan Committee Positions

Five applications have been received: Tollman, Pyle, Watson, Anderson and Ames.  Arnold and Vadney will split the time as representatives of the Board.

Arnold expressed concern over the politics --- the committee should be a-political.  Suggests that service to the committee is at the pleasure of the Planning Board.

Camirand is brought up to speed on what the Master Plan is and the purpose of the committee.

Arnold questioned what the Planning Board is asking of the committee.  Kunhardt suggested a discussion with the committee at the next PB Meeting.  Arnold suggested the committee provide a broad outline of their plan by the 2nd meeting in May.

Motion to appoint applicants Tollman, Pyle, Watson, Anderson and Ames, as well as Split of Arnold & Vadney to the Master Plan Committee as long as it pleases the Board.  Motion 2nd by Tartalis.  All in favor: 6-0.

Tollman suggested inviting committee members to Board meeting on May 3rd.  S. Pyle will advise and invite.

Announcements and Communications

Email from Town Council regarding Site Plans delayed for more than 1 year.  Board discussed how Town Council’s advice affects the golf course building and driveway.

Board brings Camirand up to speed on Crotched Mountain Golf Course issue.

Arnold suggest a letter be sent to the O’Grady’s thanking them and advising that no further action is required, other than that outlined in the letter.  Lindgren will send letter.



Review of Minutes


April 5, 2011

Clarify concern over conditional approval.  That conditional approval not be done unless the conditions are solely administrative in nature.

Motion to approve April 5, 2011 minutes as amended, Arnold.  2nd Vadney.  All in favor: 6-0.


March 15, 2011

Page 2, delete “tentative”

Election of Officers.  Add, “after being nominated for position of Secretary, McNeil declined, sighting his lack of experience.

Motion to approve March 15, 2011 minutes as amended, Arnold.  2nd Lindgren.  All in favor: 6-0.


February 15, 2011

Remove impact.  Replace with “violate, add or regulation”

Motion to approve February 15, 2011 minutes as amended, Kunhardt.  2nd, Lindgren.  All in favor: 6-0.



Next Meeting May 3, 2011.

Motion to adjourn Lindgren.  2nd Vadney.

Meeting is adjourned at 9:24 pm.


Respectfully submitted,

Barbara T. Martin, Minutes Clerk
April 26, 2011