Planning Board
Preliminary Meeting Minutes –
Recorded by Sharon Rossi
February 13, 2011
Members present: RMarshall, JFletcher, PRenaud, KO’Connell, MSteere, MBorden, RWimpory,
7:05 p.m. Minutes
MSteere read the January 23, 2012 meeting minutes. Several spelling, punctuation and replacement of words were done. No substantive changes were made. MSteere motioned to accept minutes as amended. MBorden seconded. Vote carried in favor.
7:11 p.m. Mail Rec’d:
1. SWRPC Commission Highlights brochure
2. NH Environmental Services brochure
7:13 p.m. BMarshall commented about a phone call from the PSNH contact concerning the deadline for the cutting work will be completed in March rather than January 2012. Delay was due to the two large storms that were experienced in October and November.
BMarshall said PHopkins was going to be here this evening to talk about the dilapidated buildings but would not be attending. He has an RSA related to dilapidated buildings. He has identified buildings, including pictures from several places in town, for discussion. He will be bringing that information at a later date.. RWimpory asked, “Is it up to the Planning Board to determine what is an eyesore?” BMarshall said there is a safety code that could also come into play in determining the condition of a building, but the Code Officer is the person to make that determination.
MBorden commented that one of those buildings may be a residence and we can’t tell someone how to live, but if a building isn’t lived in or maintained, what action can the town take to get the building removed?
MSteere asked “At what point are structures determined to be hazardous to occupant or a public safety issue?” BMarshall said, “Only the Selectmen’s can take action needed to remove those structures. PHopkins will in on March 12, 2012 for further discussion.
7:25 p.m. Master Plan Introduction
Lisa Murphy from SWRPC handed out the new RSA 2012-2013 handbooks to the Board.
She outlined the Vision section of the Master Plan. A visioning photo exercise handout was distributed to the Board. She explained that many towns use an activity in which several people of the town are asked to go around Town and take pictures of seven likes and seven dislikes that they see in Town. They are also asked to photograph what they believe to be one area at risk. She suggested a school contact such a student council member, for the grades of 5, 6, 7, 8 grades be included in the activity. BMarshall suggested that we recruit targeted groups of people to take pictures like the Conservation Commission, different clubs/groups like the Greenfield Trails group, the Givers, and perhaps even elderly housing members, Oak Park committee etc. Once the photos are returned to Southwest, they are organized into a
presentation to townspeople to help determine what the “Vision” for future development should be.
BMarshall said that Carol Irvin had suggested that on April 21 the Conservation Commission is sponsoring the Roadside Roundup (in which people go around and pick up litter on town roadsides) will take place. At the end of the day, a potluck dinner is held and she suggested that we might coordinate our “Vision” meeting with that activity. He will advertise at Town Meeting on March 17. The cameras (some will be provided though experience shows that most participants will choose to use their own) will distributed on March 24, and we will ask that photos be returned by April 7 via e-mail or CD’s. Details will be worked out.
LMurphy then proceeded to review Planning Board responses to the land use questionnaire that she had provided. LMurphy and BMarshall will set up a time for the next meeting with the Planning Board, tentatively March 12.
8:38 p.m. John Koch, Barbara C. Harris Conference Center
MSteere met JKoch and he suggested to JKoch to come in and meet the Planning Board.
JKoch is the interim executive director for next two years, replacing John Erdman. He said there are 20 cabins, 2 lodges with 325 acres. The Camp has the most waterfront on Otter Lake. There are three houses on the property. He said the Center’s 10 year anniversary is coming up, and planning for next 10 years is under way. Describing the activities of the Camp, he said the gym is being used by local schools for coaching. The fire department comes up frequently for calls and training. The Center has environmental education programs for public schools and they are bringing kids in to teach about sustainable farming.
MSteere asked if a time could be arranged for the Selectmen and Planning Board to tour the facility. JKoch will contact Aaron Patt to set up a time to visit.
BMarshall said that as the Board works on the town Master Plan and as the Camp begins its ten year plan, it makes sense to collaborate for the benefit of all concerned.
8:45 p.m. Zoning and Driveway regulation
KO’Connell volunteered at the last meeting to prepare a guide for the DPW Supervisor about spirit and intent of driveway regulations. After several e-mails, BMarshall and KO’Connell agreed to bring the discussion to the board. After a lengthy discussion about frontage, telecommunications driveway construction, wetlands impact, subdivision plans, etc. it was felt that PHopkins input was needed to finalize the guide for the DPW Supervisor.
MSteere suggested that the DPW supervisor be shown physical examples of what we are talking about. He said the DPW Supervisor should be able to look at a subdivision plat describing the location of driveway, and know if the location of the driveway meets the Town’s regulations. We will continue the discussion on March 12 with PHopkins in attendance
9:35 Town Road Tree Trimming/Cutting
BMarshall said that at last week’s budget hearing, he noted that the DPW had budgeted $10000 for tree trimming and they are planning to rent a bucket truck with a lift. MSteere said that before they cut the DPW needed to have a public hearing before Planning Board. KO’Connell suggested that BMarshall call and tell DPW supervisor and advise him needs to come before the Planning Board before cutting trees. BMarshall said he will find the RSA reference and will do so.
9:44 p.m. MSteere motioned to adjourn. JFletcher seconded. Vote in affirmative.
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