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Jackson Planning Board
MINUTES – February 12, 2015 – REGULAR MEETING
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm by Dick Bennett, Chair. Attending were: Members Dick Bennett, Sarah Kimball, Larry Siebert, and Betsey Harding, and Alternates Kathleen Dougherty and Bea Davis. Scott Badger and John Allen had indicated they would be unable to attend. Dick stated that all present would vote on any issues. In the audience were Dean Davis, Nancy Davis, Penny Miller, and videographer Hank Benesh, who was filming the proceedings.
Minutes of January 8: Sarah moved, and Larry seconded, acceptance of the minutes, and all approved.
Dick mentioned that an email had been sent to Planning Board members by Frank Benesh stating some concerns about Proposed Amendment #2, concerning setbacks for a corner lot. While it is too late to make changes to the proposals at this time, it is valuable to have comments about proposals; members agreed that, in the future, the Planning Board should make special efforts to ensure that Zoning Board members are informed about Zoning amendment proposals, to receive their input.
Public comment: Penny Miller questioned a Budget Hearing item: the Selectmen indicated that approximately $3,000 of engineering costs are required by the Planning Board for review of septic systems by Burr Phillips; Planning Board members know of no requirement by the Planning Board for town review of septic system installations. Dick will check with Burr and Selectmen to find out why Jackson needs its own septic system inspector, since state approvals are normally required.
Review of Amendments Proposed for the Town Warrant: Penny questioned proposal #1, #6. [Nature trails, and non-motorized recreational uses such as hiking, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country ski trails] 5.4.1.4, asking about a landowner who wished to use motorized vehicles on his/her own land, wondering how that could be not permitted, and stating her belief that this proposal creates a change since she felt that she currently has the right to such use. Board members listened to her reasoning and discussed the matter, stating 1) that Board intent was not to substantially change any existing regulations, but to create consistency between Section 4.3.1.1 and 5.4.1.4; 2) that the right for motorized recreational usage is not currently shown as permitted at the list at Section 4.3.1.1; 3) an appreciation for
Penny’s opening a discussion of using motorized vehicles, recognizing that townsfolk might wish it to be permitted. Reasoning for proposing this part of Proposed Amendment #1 is that nature trails currently exist in many parts of town, but are not actually permitted in the Zoning Ordinance outside the River Conservation District. Dick stated his opinion that the Planning Board can still support this amendment since it is going in the right direction, of cleaning up some wording; Sarah agreed, indicating that the Zoning Ordinance is a dynamic document, able to be changed as needed. Kathleen mentioned that, during updating of the Master Plan, opinions on many issues will be solicited and more major possible changes, such as use of motorized vehicles, could be added as desirable. Following adoption of the Master Plan, new amendments would be proposed for town vote.
Sarah commented that there may be some confusion among voters about the proposed articles, and suggested that the Board put out some publicity concerning them. She agreed to prepare explanatory wording for the Conway Daily Sun and the Jackson ENews; she asked for suggestions on information to include. In addition, Board members decided to re-word explanations to be shown on the Warrant and ballot, including: regarding Article 2 (Amendment #1) state that the changes aim to continue the original intent while complying with the recommended format; regarding Article 3 (Amendment #2) state that the first change would give relief to a landowner of a corner lot so as to ensure that the land
is not restricted by two 50-foot setbacks; the second change of Amendment #2 should show the whole sentence: “From the near bank of any year-round stream or body of water which is a property boundary: Fifty (50) feet” – noting that “which is a property boundary” would be removed; regarding Article 4 (Amendment #3) state that Site Specific Mapping Standards have superseded the High Intensity Soil Maps, being both more refined and with greater efficiency in the permitting process; regarding Article 5 (Amendment #4) add that “a State-approved septic system design must be provided before construction or renovation is begun.” Betsey offered to type up and distribute by email to Board members the new wording for the Warrant and ballot, for their review and response by 9 AM on February 13; she will then submit them to
the Town, with the hope that it is not too late to have them properly listed in the Warrant.
Other Business: There are two vacant positions for Alternate Members; the current members with terms expiring are Dick Bennett and Betsey Harding; the current alternate with term expiring is Bea Davis; they may submit letters to the Selectmen, requesting renewal.
Because Town Meeting will occur on the date of the next regularly-scheduled Planning Board meeting (March 12), members decided that our next meeting should be on March 19. At that time we will complete the review of both the Community Survey and the Highlights of the Community Survey, in preparation for wider distribution.
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Betsey Harding
(Note: an audio-visual record of the meeting may be found on Jacksonflicks.com)
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