HANSON PLANNING BOARD
MINUTES OF PUBLIC MEETING OF FEBRUARY 10, 2014
TOWN HALL, 542 LIBERTY STREET, HANSON, MA.
Members present: Donald Ellis, Chairman
Patricia Glenn, Vice-Chair
Joseph Weeks, Member
Absent: Stephen Regan, Clerk
Joseph Gamache, Member
Also present: Laurie Muncy, Town Planner
Virginia Costley, Administrative Assistant
II. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
Minutes of January 27, 2014 will be voted on at meeting of February 24, 2014 as two absent members need to be present for acceptance of the minutes.
III. APPOINTMENTS
Review of A/ANR Plan submitted by Ahmed T. Baraket concerning a transfer of property located at Main Street. Plan presented by Mr. Baraket for endorsement did not clearly define the combining of the lots. Ms. Muncy requested that Mr. Baraket have his engineer draft a new plan with the changes discussed at this meeting. If the plan can be revised in time, Mr. Baraket can be heard on February 24, 2014 at 7:00 pm.
IV. DISCUSSIONS
Back in 2002 the Town allocated some money at the Town Meeting to do the sidewalk running along the north side of Main Street from High Street to Indian Head Street on one side of street only. Engineering was done at that time but the project never went forward. In order to get grants, the engineering needs to be completed. Land Planning Inc. did the survey at that time for another company. Don Ellis went to Land Planning and asked to have the plans updated; and also requested prices. Ms. Muncy contacted the original company (VHB) and they sent a DVD of the complete plan to her which has been transferred to a CD. Plans are complete but are outdated and need to be updated to meet current ADA requirements.
Land Planning submitted two budget proposals: one for $12,750 to upgrade showing elevations at roadway intersections, driveway entrances and at utility structures that are proposed to be altered during construction. The other estimate is for $5,900 – no proposed grading shown on proposed plan. The recommendation was made to call VHB for prices and quotes, also.
Chairman Ellis attended a meeting with the Department of Transportation and spoke to them about sidewalks, bike ways, etc. down to the train station which might free up some parking spaces by people then able to walk or ride their bike.
Chairman Ellis recommended that the Board move forward with an article for town meeting warrant on the subject of sidewalks. Also possibly consider requesting funds from Capital Improvement Committee.
Motion to have the Town Planner continue to look into estimates, upgrade engineering , open discussion with Capital Improvement Committee , move forward with an article to add to the warrant for upcoming Town Meeting: Patricia Glenn
Second: Joseph Weeks
Vote: 3-0-0
V. OLD BUSINESS
Ms. Muncy reminded the Board members to review the articles that are to be submitted to Town Meeting. The hearings are advertised for February 24th meeting.
Sign By-law: Ms. Muncy made minor revisions and will e-mail out to each member.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
Chairman Ellis talked about establishing a sidewalk account. It never made the warrant for the last town meeting and he would like to see it put back on the warrant and this requires a vote. The Board would like to see this article added to the Rules and Regulations which will require a Public Hearing. Also, this article should be reviewed by Town Counsel and a response in writing should be given to the Planning Board.
Motion made to add the following article to see if the Town will vote to authorize the creation of a revolving fund under the provisions of G.L.Chapter 44, Section 53E ½ for the use by the Hanson Planning Board, such funds to be used for the establishment of an escrow account for sidewalks. The receipts generated from a portion of subdivision review fees shall be credited to the revolving account. The Board of Selectmen, upon recommendation by the Planning Board are authorized to expend from the fund for the stated purpose without further appropriation subject to the restrictions contained in G.L.
Chapter 44, Section 53E ½ an amount not to exceed $_________________. Expenditures shall not be made or liabilities incurred in excess of the balance of the fund at any given time or take any other action in relation thereto: Joseph Weeks
Second: Patricia Glenn
Vote: 3-0-0
Motion made to have Town Counsel give an opinion in writing on the above article to take to Town Meeting: Patricia Glenn
Second: Joseph Weeks
Vote: 3-0-0
VII. ZONING HEARINGS
Application of Vincent Gallagher for Special Permit to allow for the approval of an in-home occupation at 104 Glenwood Place – no comment.
Application of Ronald Sullivan for Special Permit to allow for the approval of the operation of a consignment and thrift shop at 1375 Main Street – no comment.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Motion made to adjourn: Patricia Glenn
Second: Joseph Weeks
Vote: 3-0-0
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