MONSON PLANNING BOARD
MINUTES AUGUST 20, 2013
MEMBERS PRESENT: Craig Sweitzer, Paul Hatch, Kevin Haley, Karen King and Tara Hengeveld.
MEMBERS ABSENT:
7:10 Atty. Jeffrey Roberts submitted an ANR plan on behalf of Hecate Energy, Cornerstone Power Monson, LLC that creates two lots on Upper Palmer Road and Macomber Road. Both lots meet the Monson Zoning requirements for frontage and area.
Following review the plan was endorsed by the Board.
7:15 The Board received a copy of an Engineers Estimate of Probable Costs to Decommission the proposed Ground Mounted Solar Array to be located on Upper Palmer Road and Macomber Road from Attorney Nicholas Lata, on behalf of Cornerstone Power Monson, LLC. The document was stamped and signed by John Colarande, PE Whitman Engineering. The Monson Zoning Bylaw requires an applicant to provide a bond or cash surety when applying for a Special Permit to construct a Large Ground Mounted Solar Array to protect the Town in the unlikely event the project should be abandoned. The estimated total cost provided by Whitman was $1,032,837.57. This figure is less than the $1,400,000.00 required by the Board in its decision dated July 26, 2013.
The Board reviewed the information and time lines for the filing of the decision and appeal period.
Tara Hengeveld moved to notify Nicholas Lata, Esq., that the information was provided to the Board after its decision was made at a public hearing held on July 16, 2013. The decision of the Board was filed in the office of the Monson Town Clerk on July 26, 2013 and the 21 day appeal period has passed. The Board made its decision based on the plans and documents submitted to the Board and reviewed during the duly advertised public hearing on July 16, 2013.
Kevin Haley seconded the motion.
It was so voted, unanimous.
7:35 Continuation of a Public Hearing for Site Plan approval for Antonio Fernandes for property located on Boston Road West identified on Assessors Map 064, Parcel 002.
Mr. Fernandes submitted a letter from the Town of Palmer Water & Sewer Department showing he has been granted access to the Town of Palmer sanitary sewer system.
Michael Mocko stated the applicant has provided a depiction of the building showing the proposed color of the building and roof. The lighting is described on the plan.
Roger Landry, Calkins Road, Palmer questioned if the lighting is directed to shine down onto the applicants’ property?
Mr. Mocko stated yes.
Craig Sweitzer questioned the proposed signage?
Mr. Mocko stated a sign is proposed at the driveway entrance 8’ wide by 4’ in height and 3’ off of the ground. The lettering will be as shown on the plan and it is not proposed to have lighting on the sign.
Roger Landry questioned if the applicant had been granted permission from Mass DOT for a driveway cut? He stated the location of the access from the half moon driveway that is there onto Route #20 has limited sight lines for oncoming traffic and given the amount of traffic on the road it is a concern for him. Additionally the property has historical value because of a plaque that refers to George Washington.
Antonio Fernandes stated the location of the business that Mr. Landry owns across Route 20 is more of a blind spot.
Mr. Mocko stated there is a paved entrance in place that is used by National Grid and the Exxonmobile Pipeline to access their property. The applicant has 358 feet of frontage on Route 20.
Roger Landry reiterated his concern that no permission from the State Highway has been given for a driveway cut. National Grid, Exxonmobile and the railroad use the entrance infrequently that is very different from 365 day a year use.
Craig Sweitzer thanked Mr. Landry for bringing his concerns to the Board stating the purpose of a public hearing is to gather information. Any approval the Planning Board gave would be contingent on the applicant being able to use the entrance.
Craig Sweitzer questioned the colors of the proposed building?
Mr. Fernandes submitted a color chart indicating the color proposed for the roof was evergreen and the building sagebrush tan.
Craig Sweitzer questioned the hours of operation.
Mr. Mocko stated his client proposes to operate from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 P.M. Monday through Saturday.
Craig Sweitzer questioned the sound generated?
Mr. Fernandes stated it is mainly trucks and equipment starting up and leaving the property or returning to the property. The purpose of purchasing the property is to store and maintain the vehicles and equipment that is used in the operation of an excavation business. No work other than preparation of the site and construction of the proposed building will occur on this site. The site will be used for storage of equipment and vehicles and maintenance of the vehicles and equipment.
Craig Sweitzer questioned how much of the equipment would be stored outside the building?
Mr. Fernandes stated 6 or 7 vehicles.
Mr. Mocko stated a minimum of 20 feet of existing trees would be maintained and on the Boston Road side 50 feet of screening.
Paul Hatch questioned if the applicant had any photographs that show the screening?
Mr. Fernandes stated he did not.
Mr. Landry questioned the grade at the completion of the site preparation?
Mr. Fernandes stated the grade would be the same as the road.
Mr. Landry questioned if more vegetation would be added for screening?
Mr. Fernandes stated he could plant some arborvitaes.
Craig Sweitzer questioned if the dumpster shown on plan was screened?
Mr. Fernandes stated yes it was on the back side of the building.
Mr. Landry questioned the storage of used equipment at this location?
Mr. Fernandes stated he maintains his property well and this site will not be used as a junk yard. The equipment and vehicles on the site are those used for his excavation business.
Paul Hatch recommended that the Planning Board continue the hearing until Mr. Fernandes has approval from the Conservation Commission.
Kevin Haley questioned if there would be any fuel tanks stored on the property?
Mr. Fernandes stated he would have a 1000 gallon double wall diesel fuel tank.
Craig Sweitzer questioned if the location of the fuel tank was shown on the Plan?
Mr. Mocko stated it was not.
Mr. Landry questioned what would happen with the waste oil?
Mr. Fernandes stated any waste oil would be appropriately disposed of.
The Board stated the Fire Department should review the revised plan showing the location of the fuel tank.
The applicant made a written request to the Planning Board to continue the public hearing.
Karen King moved to continue the public hearing to September 17, 2013 at 7:15 P.M.
Paul Hatch seconded the motion.
It was so voted unanimous.
Karen King moved to approve the minutes of July 17, 2013 as presented.
Tara Hengeveld seconded the motion.
It was so voted unanimous.
Tara Hengeveld moved to accept the minutes of July 30, 2013 as presented.
Paul Hatch seconded the motion.
It was so voted unanimous.
Paul Hatch moved to adjourn at 8:15 P.M.
Kevin Haley seconded the motion.
It was so voted unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda A. Hull.
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