MARLBOROUGH PLANNING BOARD
MARLBOROUGH, MA 01752
Call to Order August 26, 2013
The Meeting of the Marlborough Planning Board was called to order at 7:00pm in Memorial Hall, 3rd Floor City Hall 140 Main Street, Marlborough, MA. Members present included Sean Fay, Colleen Hughes, Philip Hodge and Clyde Johnson.
Also in attendance were Board Secretary Melissa Irish and City Engineer Thomas Cullen.
Barbara Fenby, Edward Coveney and Shawn McCarty were absent
Philip Hodge served as Chair Pro Tem
1. Meeting Minutes:
A. Regular meeting July 22, 2013
On a motion made by Ms. Hughes, seconded by Mr. Fay the minutes of the July 22, 2013 meeting were tabled until the next regularly scheduled meeting. Motion carried.
2. Chair’s Business:
A. Notice from Chairperson regarding proposed September Site walk.
Ms. Hughes read the communication into record.
On a motion made by Mr. Fay, seconded by Ms. Hughes the communication was accepted and placed on file. Motion carried.
B. Information for the Board from Mr. Johnson
Mr. Johnson wanted to update the members of the Board regarding his intention to retire from the Board itself. Mr. Johnson has indicated a wish to resign from the Board once a suitable candidate has been appointed and confirmed to take his seat. Mr. Johnson was happy with how quickly an appointment has been made and wishes the gentleman luck in the confirmation process. Mr. Johnson noted his many years in public service were a joy to him but now it is time to bring someone else into the arena. He has enjoyed his stay long enough.
3. Approval Not Required:
A. 200 Forest Street (September 16, 2013)
Ms. Hughes read the notice into record, Mr. David Gadbois Attorney for the proponent presented the plan to the Board.
On a motion made by Mr. Fay, seconded by Ms. Hughes the application was accepted and placed on file. Motion carried,
On a made by Mr. Fay seconded by Ms. Hughes the matter was referred to the City Engineer for review. Motion carried.
4. Public Hearings: None
5. Pending Sub Division Plans: Updates and Discussion:
A. Engineers Report
Mr. Cullen handed out a current version of the Subdivision Status Report dated August 26, 2013. The report outlined the status of the currently 20 residential subdivisions within the City limits.
Mr. Cullen reported that the City is currently very pleased with the contractor that was chosen for the punch list items for the Shaugnessy Estates II Subdivision completion. It is currently moving ahead. The Addition Hill Site development is moving ahead, there is a Site meeting tomorrow on the Mauro Farms site in anticipation of moving forward to the next phase of the project ie: Regin Lane.
B. Request for Bond Reduction Mauro Farms
On a motion made by Mr. Fay, seconded by Ms. Hughes the letter was accepted and placed on file with the matter being referred to the City Engineer, Code Enforcement Officer as well as the Tax Collector for their input. Motion carried.
Note* Mr. Fay reminded the Board of previously disclosed conflict and that his appointing authority has authorized him to act.
6. Preliminary/Open Space Submissions/Limited Development Subdivisions: None
7. Definitive Subdivision Submission: None
8. Signs:
Mr. Fay noted that he has been going through the existing sign ordinance section by section. In his opinion Estate tax law is easier to understand the sign ordinance in its current form.
The ordinance as a whole needs to be discussed and possibly rewritten to ensure for fairness and ease in both the application and variance processes. Mr. Fay noted that his review of the sign ordinance is an ongoing project.
It was noted that the new business Smyles frozen yogurt has an illegal A Frame sign placed on South Bolton Street and the off premise signs as approved by variance from the Board for the Greek Festival taking place on Central and Cashman Street may be missing their City Seal Indicators showing the placement is an authorized off premise sign.
9. Unfinished Business:
A. Berlin Farms
Mr. Fay will reach out to Mr. Freeman; there is still no movement on completion of this subdivision.
It was noted to keep this item for reporting purposes on the next Planning Board agenda as well.
B. Blackhorse Farms Estate – Condition of Site
The trench placement issue for the streetlights is currently an ongoing issue that is hoped to be resolved in the next couple of weeks.
It was noted to keep this item for reporting purposes on the next Planning Board agenda as well.
10. Informal Discussions:
A. Discussion regarding the request to waive a portion of the fees for the new Ravenswood/Jenks Rd Definitive Subdivision application.
In response to Mr. Peznola’s request that the Board entertain the notion of either waiving the application fees in totality or allowing for a waiving of 80% of the fees associated with the filing. The board requested input from the Legal Department and the response was that it is up to the Board to determine which if any of the fees would be paid.
A survey vote of the members present indicated how each member felt regarding this situation. It was voted unanimously to Not allow for waiving any and or all of the fees associated with the project. The fees in their entirety are due for the application.
11. Correspondence:
A. dcr MA Downstream Number 29, Spring 2013
On a motion made by Ms. Hughes, seconded by Mr. Fay it was voted to accept the correspondence and place on file. Motion carried.
12. Public Notices of other Cities and Towns:
A. Town of Sudbury Board of Appeals, Notice of Decisions (5).
B. Town of Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals Public Hearing August 8, 2013.
C. Town of Southborough Planning Board Public Hearing August 8, 2013.
D. Town of Framingham Planning Board Public Hearings (2) Aug 8, Sept 5, 2013.
E. Town of Framingham Planning Board Notice of Decisions (5).
On a motion made by Ms. Hughes, seconded by Mr. Fay it was voted to accept the notices A-F and place on file. Motion carried.
Adjournment: On a motion made by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Ms. Hughes it was voted to adjourn at 7:55pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Colleen Hughes
/mai
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