MASTER PLAN STEERING COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
April 17, 2007
6:30 P.M.
1204 Main Street, Starbard Building
MEMBERS PRESENT: Michael Wronski, Co-Chair; Joe Giotta, Celeste Duffy, David Lindberg,
Barbara Kohlstrom, Co-Chair, Absent: Cheryl Owoc, Kimberly Ferguson
Element Leaders: Steve Mentzer, Ed Benoit, Judy Haran, Richard Sheils, Paul McManus,
Rosemary Johnson, Wendy O'Leary, Ed Starkus, Absent: Scott Carlson
STAFF: Pamela Harding, Town Planner
CONSULTANTS: Brian Barber, Attorney Ronald Ruth of Sherin & Lodgen
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
The consultants attorney was present to answer various questions that have been raised throughout the Master Planning process.
The Committee discussed prioritizing the implementation section and felt the Land Use section should discuss new state legislative programs such as 40R, 40S and 43D.
The Community Preservation Act (CPA) was discussed. CPA raises money through a tax imposed on real estate transfer. Nantucket consultants will have an attorney available at the next meeting to discuss what legal steps can be taken to ehlp alleviate new development impacts.
The impacts of sewer capacity on growth were discussed. The Town's sewer capacity is limited, DCR conducted studies to determine environmental sensitive areas which the provision of sewer would prevent the degradation of water quality. These areas were sewered through a five Phase process and property owners were charged betterment fees. Reserve capacity for the designated areas must remain in effect. The capacity limits enforced by the contract can be renegotiated but all involved parties, DCR, MWRA, City of Worcester and Holden would need to agree on terms.
The implementation of an "Impact Fee" utilized by Framingham was discussed. Impacts must be directly related from construction of the development. The money be placed in a separate account and utilized for the purpose for which it was collected. ie. intersection improvement. Framingham has adopted a similar fee for traffic, there is also a time limit on the utilization of the funds.
REVIEW OF IMPLEMENTATION DRAFT Judy stressed the importance of an Open Space and Recreation Plan and Committee and was disappointed it was not included in the Open Space section of the Master Plan. The Recreation section should include improvements to Eagle Lake. Land Use should include detention pond maintenance issues, pumping stations and Stormwater Management Regulations.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
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