Minutes of the November 22, 2004 Meeting of the Greenfield Planning Board
The meeting opened at 7:25 p.m. with members Cernota, Marshall, O’Connell and Rainier in attendance. Minutes of 11/08 were read and approved with the following changes: under Preliminary Conceptual Consultation, line 5, we changed class VI to class V. In the next line we added after the words Gulf Road “, currently Class VI, up to class V standards to achieve frontage requirements.” Under Discussion with Peter Hopkins, we changed signage to read “Signage for home occupations.”
Hearing for proposed Steep Slopes Ordinance and change of wording in Section III, Districts, in Zoning Ordinance
The hearing was opened at 7:34 p.m. All members listed above were present. The hearing was noticed in the Ledger and Transcript on 11/11 and in the Post Office and Town Office on 11/09. There was one member of the public present. We went over the proposed Steep Slopes Ordinance first. We then went over the changes in wording for Section III Districts in the Zoning Ordinance. The public portion of the hearing was closed at 7:55 p.m. Kevin had a question about the ballot items – should we add an explanation on each item to clarify our intentions. Bob will write up a short explanation. There will also be a line stating that each one is recommended by the Planning Board. It was moved and voted to accept the two items to be presented to the town in March.
Mail
· An announcement from Putney Press about a new book called Site Plan & Development Review: A Guide for Northern New England.
· An application for a Main Street Program Workshop on 12/06/04.
· A notice about Senate Bill 176 which goes into effect in January, 2005. There are new requirements for recording plats at the Registry. Our subdivision regulations will need to be updated to include all the new requirements.
· Information on EPA workshops to be held in December.
· A memo from Catherine about perhaps adding the definition of “survey” to our definitions list.
· SW has given us updated tax maps done in 2004.
· Invoice from John Teague for phone calls on ballot questions.
· New copies of the Land Subdivision Regulations from Catherine.
Topics Brought Up by Members
Bob went to a budget meeting last week. We have a large amount earmarked for maps, hangers and lamination. If we can coordinate with the Conservation Commission, we could probably save some money. However, they have a different size map than the ones we are used to. Since Mike had originally looked into having maps made, Bob will call him to get more information on which maps he wanted and pricing information if available. Bob also reported on this meeting with the representative from Terra-Maps. The program they described seemed better suited to Deb and Catherine. We agreed that we need to study this further before we make any decision.
Kevin reported on his research on the letter from Statewide Program of Action to Conserve our Environment. They have room in their program for 8 – 10 towns. The cost would be $2,000 to $5,000 and grant money might be available. They would do a survey on cost of community services. This study would help with assessing impact fees sometime in the future. We have no interest right now.
George brought up the fact that there are some problems with certain lots that have recently been subdivided. Apparently, the surveyor did not do the plat correctly. Since the surveyor attached his seal to the plat, the surveyor is responsible for any errors. In our checklist we require angles and dimensions, but to make sure that the surveyor has prepared a correct plat, we will add to the checklist the words “on ground” before the line reading “boundary survey of entire parcel”. We will also add to our list of definitions the word “survey” with the definition as follows: to determine and delineate the form, extent, position etc. of, as a tract of land, by taking linear and angular measurements, and by applying the principles of geometry and
trigonometry. Bob will ask Catherine to type up a new checklist for us.
Duffy spoke with Bob about the drawings in Appendix B. Cul-de-sacs are extremely difficult to plow. We agreed that we would like to substitute hammerheads but we need to restrict the size of these. Bob will get together with Duffy to get the figures. The hammerhead may not be used to satisfy frontage requirements.
Our next meeting will be on December 13. Alan Stevens has asked for a preliminary conceptual consultation for that evening. We will schedule Peter Hopkins at 7:00 p.m. and the consultation for 7:30 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m.
Jean Cernota
Secretary
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