Minutes of Planning Board Meeting, Thursday, April 13, 2006
Members Present: Janet, Cindy, Maggie, Wayne, Beth
Minutes of the previous meeting were read. Janet made a motion to approve, Beth seconded, all in favor.
Janet commented that she feels that people are not so anti-ADU. We should do more talking to people.
The board review the warrant articles.
Atty. Scully said that throw out all of Section VIII regarding building permits. This section should not be in the zoning bylaws. Wayne wants to look at what other towns have in their bylaws regarding building permits. Wayne and Maggie do not want Section VIII thrown out. Wayne stated that there is some good information here. So our bylaw change in Section VIII from 100 square feet to 120 square feet will not go before the voters at annual town meeting. Janet suggested that a brochure outlining the procedure for obtaining a building permit in town. There is an information sheet in the hallway of town hall.
The board reviewed Atty. Scully’s letter regarding Ag Use definition. Scully recommended that the ag use definition read as outlined in his letter. Cindy made a motion, Janet seconded, all in favor.
Maggie will meet with town Hall before warrant gets finalized the following Tuesday.
Janet would like Atty. Mark Bubrowski from Boston to be retained to review our bylaws and recommend changes, additions, deletions, etc. Wayne suggested that the Regional Planning Commission may be able to give us some input in this area. The staff there has been more helpful in recent years regarding zoning language. We all realize that basically we need a master plan.
The board received a response from the Selectboard regarding the PB’s letter to them regarding of the Building inspector’s interpretation of a building unit. The Selectboard’s response is that they agree with the Building inspector’s interpretation of a building unit.
Janet wants to send our letter (previously sent to the Board of Selectment) to the Zoning Board of Appeals, putting the ZBA on notice that the PB disagrees with the Selectboard and the building inspector’s interpretation. Janet would like it on file in the event that someone files and appeal of a specific action. Janet made a motion to forward letter to ZBA, Beth seconded. All in favor.
We discussed an article in Berk. Eagle about “party rooms” with kitchens, refrigerators, dishwashers, etc.
Wayne and Maggie discussed the workshop they attended regarding zoning for affordable housing and Section 40B. Can be applied to an ADU, but is complicated.
The board discussed the master plan and setting up a steering committee, which would include the planning board members, at least one member from other boards, and townspeople at large.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia T. Hoogs
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