MONSON PLANNING BOARD
MINUTES JUNE 15, 2010
MEMBERS PRESENT: Paul Hatch, Tara Hengeveld and Kevin Haley.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Craig Sweitzer and Karen King.
7:00 The Board discussed the report from David Loring, Tighe & Bond dated May 17, 2010 summarizing the review of the slope stability analysis prepared by O’Reilly, Talbot & Okun. It appeared to the Board that Mr. Loring was asking for a revised model that better represented the actual conditions and soil properties.
The Board received a fax from Gary Weiner, Ecotec Environmental that he had left messages for both Mr. Loring and Michael Talbot, O’Reilly, Talbot & Okun but had not received a response. Mr. Weiner also stated Bukowski Construction would start work on the basin gabion wall late next week and Ecotec Environmental would lay out the wall control.
The Board members had no issue with the gabion wall, but it still does not address the issue of slope stability. Although the installation of the wall will increase the capacity of the basin the Board will hold its position regarding the issuance of building permits for new construction at Quaboag Heights. Previously the Board asked the Building Commissioner to refrain from issuing building permits that will increase the impervious surface and subsequently the amount of run off going into the basin because of questions regarding the stability of the slope.
The Board is committed to bringing resolution to this issue and to that end will request that Tadeusz Bukowski attend the next meeting of the Planning Board along with Gary Weiner, P.E. Ecotec Environmental, David Loring, P.E. Tighe & Bond and a representative from O’Reilly, Talbot & Okun. It is the expectation of the Planning Board that this meeting will provide an opportunity for forthright discussion and a decision as to whether further action is needed to ensure safety of the slope. If Mr. Bukowski’s consultants do not agree with the comments from David Loring they should be prepared to defend their analysis, if they do agree with his comments they should provide the revised calculations.
Scott Walker owner of property on State Street met informally with the Board to request a waiver from the strict provisions of Site Plan Approval. Mr. Walker submitted his request in writing stating that he did not intend to make any structural changes to the building or change the footprint of the building or change the use of the building. He would like to put siding on the building to improve the appearance. Mr. Walker provided a picture of the siding and color he proposes to use.
Paul Hatch questioned if he was changing the signs or lighting?
Mr. Walker stated the lights would be removed to install the siding and the same lights would be put back on the building.
Kevin Haley moved to waive site plan approval because the work was minor in nature and did not involve any structural changes or changes to the footprint of the building or change the use of the building.
Tara Hengeveld seconded the motion.
It was so voted unanimous.
Dennis Mott a representative of Cross Globe (previously Lydall) located on Bethany Road met informally with the Board to discuss a change in the products that are shipped from the premises.
Mr. Mott stated in order to keep the company viable they had changed from paper products to pellets.
Paul Hatch stated the concern for the Board is has the change of use created a safety issue?
Mr. Mott stated it is not really a change of use just a change in product. Within the building there are cleaning stations and barrels.
Harold Leaming stated that he walked through the building with Fire Chief George Robichaud and there is a substantial sprinkler system in the building. The Fire Chief did not express any concern with fire safety.
Kevin Haley questioned if it was a water system?
Mr. Mott stated it was.
Paul Hatch stated if anything else changes at the facility they must come before the Planning Board.
Dennis Mott stated he did not anticipate changing anything but would come back to the Board if there is any change to the access or the buildings.
Paul Hatch stated the operation is very close to the river and it would be a good idea to touch base with the Conservation Commission.
The Board stated there was one outstanding issue with this property and that was the replacement of the buffer between the area the earth was removed from and the residential area.
Kevin Haley questioned how many trucks were expected a day?
Dennis Mott stated the market is slow but he would estimate probably 10 trucks a day.
Tara Hengeveld questioned the hours of operation?
Dennis Mott stated it was approximately 6:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
Harold Leaming stated there would be a problem if the trucks were coming in middle of night.
Tara Hengeveld moved to accept the minutes of May 18, 2010 as presented.
Kevin Haley seconded the motion.
It was so voted unanimous.
The Board received notification from the Town Clerk the Attorney General’s Office had approved the changes made to the Monson Bylaws at the May Town Meeting.
Tara Hengeveld moved to adjourn at 8:10 P.M.
Kevin Haley seconded the motion.
It was so voted unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda A. Hull
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