Greenfield Planning Board
Minutes for October 12, 2009
Minutes recorded by Kathy Carpenter
Members present: JAdams, BMarshall (alt), Gil Morris, MSteere, MBorden
Chairman Morris declared that BMarshall would sit in for JFletcher.
7:00 pm Start of Meeting
GMorris reads the minutes from the September 28, 2009 meeting.
Changes:
Line 54 add item ‘4’ to the list
Line 59 change locust to ‘locus’
Moved by BMarshall to accept the minutes as amended, MSteere seconds, all in favor, the motion passes.
7:06pm KO’Connell joins the meeting.
7:07pm GMorris reads minutes from joint Planning Board/Zoning Board meeting Wednesday October 7, 2009.
Second to the last line add semi-colon after ‘taken’ and change Both to ‘both’.
Moved by BMarshall to accept the minutes as amended, MSteere seconds, all in favor, the motion passes.
7:09 pm Mail
1. Receipt of $1908.80 payment from K&J Wireless LLC for consultation expense
2. Notice from LGC regarding Preparing for a Successful Town Meeting Workshop on November 7, 2009 at 8:30 am
3. Invite for SWRPC Fall Meeting on November 3, 2009 at 6:00 pm
4. SWRPC September 2009 Commission Highlights
5. Notice of LCG Annual Conference November 18-20 2009
6. Selectmen’s Minutes for September 24, 2009 and October 1, 2009
7:15pm BMarshall provides the PB with information for the Watershed Protection grant. This is for a grant to develop ordinances designed to protect Surface and Groundwater (ILU Chapter 2/5 Protection of Groundwater and Surface Water Resources). The application is due in to the Keene office on Friday. BMarshall reads a letter from Carol Irwin.
7:23pm BMarshall recuses himself from this portion of the meeting. GMorris and KO’Connell sign updated plats for the Marshall/Dubois lot line adjustment.
7:50pm The PB discusses membrane buildings. GMorris discusses an appeal application received by the Zoning Board from AT&T. KO’Connell asks the PB for its opinion regarding someone who may want to apply for a waiver of the driveway requirements, should they come to the PB? The PB agrees that this is the process.
8:00pm PSNH Pole Work Proposal for Line Extension
Present: Jeffery Enman, PSNH Manchester; Karen Markham, Greenfield, NH; Dave Buvleigh, Asplundh, Greenfield, NH.
PSNH is proposing a two pole line extension be added on Holden Rd to reach the property of SMarkham. GMorris discusses the procedures. GMorris reads the letter from PSNH requesting PB approval for the work IAW RSA 231:158. PSNH states that they have discussed the plans with the landowners and all trees have been flagged. The proposal is not for the addition of two poles, it is only for the addition of PSNH lines on existing poles. MBorden states that he drove down Holden Rd and doesn’t have issue with the trees but how the ‘triangle’ is going to be left as a bare island with only a few trees left on that little island. JEnman states that this was the best way keeping consistent with the scenic road; any other options would require additional tree cutting and the addition of
new poles. MBorden asks if it is a question of economics. KO’Connell states that some of the trees are already in a weakened state.
At 8:24pmGMorris opens the meeting to the public, there are no public comments.
GMorris closes the public hearing portion of the meeting at 8:25pm.
The PB enters into a deliberative session. MBorden would like some sort of consensus regarding the island. While the PB feels that it is unfortunate to lose so many of the trees on the island, it appears that this is necessary. There doesn’t appear to be any alternative other than perhaps coming in from Forest Rd however that might require running more line. MBorden asks who would be responsible for the cost of the additional line. PSNH states that this would be the responsibility of the property owner.
JAdams moves that the plan be approved as presented by PSNH. BMarshall seconds. The PB discusses that MBorden makes a valid point. BMarshall states that he has no information if there were alternatives to base a decision on. MBorden asks what the cost would be for the alternative of using Forest Rd. JEnman states that he doesn’t know the costs, perhaps twice as much as the proposed plan. JEnman states that permission would need to be granted from the landowners for the alternative plan. MSteere asks if the payment is paid all at once or over time. KMarkham states that it is charged over time. JAdams states that there are a number of people that this would impact that drive that road often; however no other members of the public are present. DBuvleigh states that
in the future the PB may want to request, during a site walk, for any alternative plans for work to be done on a scenic road. The PB figures, based on information from the property owner, that additional cost for the alternative route would be at least approximately $2200. There is no further discussion.
GMorris calls for a vote. JAdams votes in favor, BMarshall, BMarshall and MBorden votes opposed, MSteere abstains.
Discussion ensued regarding running the wires from the Forest Road End and what would be required. The Board would like to get better estimates for this option and possibly hold another hearing for that. KO’Connell feels that is an additional meeting is required. It may be able to occur in 2 weeks if the notice can be in the paper. KO’Connell would like to reconsider his vote contingent upon a withdrawal of the motion.
KO’Connell moves to reconsider the previous vote, BMarshall seconds. No discussion, all in favor, the motion passes.
JAdams states that he is not comfortable postponing due to the hardship for the property owner and further delaying the construction of the house. It could take an additional two to four weeks if an alternative is found to be appropriate. The PB wants to make certain that the decision is amicable to everyone. MSteere suggests that if the PB simply continues the present hearing which wouldn’t require another notice and would allow for a timelier decision.
MSteere suggests that the reconsideration of the vote be continued along with the hearing pending additional information provided to the PB regarding an alternate route from Forest Rd. GMorris states that the hearing can be continued to 7:30pm and a second hearing can be scheduled for 7:45pm if necessary. KO’Connell will notice the second hearing. JEnman will provide a plan that discusses the costs and feasibility for alternative routing from Forest Rd. GMorris schedules a second site walk for Friday October 16, 2009 at 5:00pm.
8:48pm The hearing is continued until Monday October 26, 2009 at 7:30pm.
8:51pm Planning Board Business
The PB discusses membrane building regulations as prepared by Greenfield Code Enforcement Officer, Peter Hopkins. The PB would like to have PHopkins come before the PB and discuss the reasons for his proposed regulations. GMorris will ask PHopkins to come before the board Monday October 26, 2009. The PB discusses general business. The ZBA is requesting that they be empowered to request external consultants, the PB has the authority to permit this request. The PB discusses the merits of the request. BMarshall states that the ZBA is supposed to rule based on legal information and recommendations and information provided by the PB. KO’Connell states that this is about gathering new information; it is not intended to gather any contradictory information. KO’Connell states that they are making
a legal decision based upon information that needs to be evaluated by a field professional. GMorris will look into this further.
9:19 pm MSteere moves the meeting be adjourned, BMarshall seconds, all in favor, the meeting is adjourned.
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