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Jackson Planning Board
MINUTES – October 10, 2013 – REGULAR MEETING
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:05pm by Dick Bennett, Chair. Attending were: Members Dave Treadwell, Sarah Kimball, Larry Siebert, Daren Levitt and Dick Bennett, and Alternates Bea Davis and Kathleen Dougherty. John Allen, Scott Badger, and Betsey Harding had contacted Dick, indicating they would not be able to attend. Voting Member Determination: It was determined that all seven in attendance would be voting. Also attending was Hank Benesh, filming the proceedings.
Meeting minutes for the September meeting were discussed; Larry sought clarification about the stated need for rewording concerning the Whitney Center as a polling place; members agreed that the minutes should reflect the need for the Selectmen to update ordinances pertaining to elections to indicate regulations concerning where polling now takes place and what regulations pertain to use of the site.
Public comment concerning items not on the agenda: none.
Secretary to the Board: Dick informed the Board that Ella Cressy is no longer permitted to take minutes, as her employment with the Town has been terminated. Discussion followed regarding the type of minutes we wish – whether we want to have word for word recording, or a sense of the meeting with any decisions clearly indicated, usually reflecting any significant discussions that preceded the decisions. Bea stated that what matters is getting out a paper record of the meeting for understanding by those who were not present, and in accordance with RSA requirements. Sarah indicated that, in the past, members have edited minutes for grammar, spelling, format and clarity, prior to posting and sending them out. Dave commented that the outline style provides a concise record of
decisions reached. Dick stated that word for word minutes are less necessary; rather we need to have basic decisions recorded with some level of background information. Dick will try to find appropriate secretarial help without running up our costs; we especially need a secretary for any Public Hearing. Daren reiterated the need to comply with the RSAs on timing of posting.
Build-Out Study: Finally at the last Selectmen’s meeting, the paperwork was completed for North Country Council to conduct the Build-Out Study. This significant delay means that we have not yet been able to schedule our initial meeting with NCC staff doing the work; evening meetings may not be possible. Dick will set up a meeting as soon as possible.
Master Plan: Kathleen commented that she was impressed with the 2003 Master Plan, feeling it was well done. Sarah read the applicable RSA, noting that only two elements, Vision and Land Use, are required; including any remaining elements is optional. Members proceeded to review the 2003 Master Plan point by point, to determine what is still applicable, what to include and what to omit from our next version. At the Purpose section, the Board needs to update the first sentence of the 3rd paragraph, to change the dates, remove some references, and add the Build-Out Study. At the “Vision” section, the Board agreed to omit the second sentence, beginning “In addition….” At the next section, “Regulatory Goal,” the first Policy is okay, but the first objective is no longer relevant. The second Policy needs more extensive review and possible revision. At “Natural Resources Goal,” in the last Objective of the second Policy, omit or find better wording for “housing
bonuses.” The Board discussed reasons for Jackson’s more stringent septic approval requirements, including the fact that much of Jackson’s more readily developed land is already developed, and parcels likely to be developed in the future may be on steeper slopes, on areas with significant ledge coverage, and such; also our requirements reflect our wish to keep our streams and rivers as clean as possible. At the eighth, and last, Policy, rephrase the objective to reflect the fact that we have in place a lighting ordinance to protect the night sky. Under “Village Character Goal” consider whether to include the first Objective of the first Policy – to revisit zoning along Route 16 north of the Village, or to keep Village District zoning all the way up to the northern border. At the final Objective of the first Policy, add “where feasible” concerning placement of parking areas beside or behind commercial development. Consider adding an Objective: “Enhance the visual aspects of
available parking for safety and attractiveness.”
There being no Old Business or New Business, Chairman Bennett adjourned the meeting at 8:40 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Betsey Harding
(notes made by observation of audio-visual record of the meeting on Jacksonflicks.com)
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