Monterey Planning Board
Meeting Minutes
Thursday May 25, 2006
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.
Members present: Laurily Epstein, Janet Cathcart, Brian Puntin, Wayne Burkhart, Maggie Leonard. Stephen Rose and Cindy Hoogs were absent.
Public present: Bob Lazzarini and Stan Ross from the Board of Assessors.
Bob Lazzarini and Stan Ross from the Assessors Board met with the Planning Board regarding a ruling from the Building Inspector regarding the definition of a dwelling unit in Monterey. The Assessors were questioning the Building Inspector’s interpretation of the definition of a dwelling unit specifically regarding kitchen facilities and sinks. The Assessors were informed of the Planning Board’s response to the Building Inspector’s interpretation. (The Planning Board sent a letter to Town Counsel questioning the ruling; we then sent a letter to the Select Board questioning the ruling; and finally the Planning Board sent a letter to the ZBA to let them know where we stand if this issue should come up.) The definition of a dwelling unit is important to the Assessors since it impacts their assessments of property. The group
discussed what constitutes a kitchen. The definition from the Mass State Building Code was read. Bob Lazzarini read part of a letter that the Assessors received from the Mass Dept. of Revenue, Department of Local Services, Legal Department. That letter indicated that the definition of a dwelling is dependent on zoning and the state building code. The group also discussed what constitutes a conversion of a single family dwelling to a multi-family dwelling. Lazzarini indicated that he would send an e-mail regarding the Assessors opinion of the Building Inspectors interpretation/ruling.
There were no minutes from the previous meeting— 5/11/06— to read.
Planning Board members decided to wait until the next meeting (June 8, 2006) to choose a chair, vice chair and clerk, since some members were not present.
The Planning Board reviewed the legal decision submitted by Town Counsel of Germain vs. Town of Monterey.
There was a brief discussion regarding a possible Light Pollution bylaw. To wit: Maggie Leonard suggested that such a bylaw may be needed in light of increased development in Monterey. No vote was taken but it seemed that Laurily Epstein supported the idea and that Janet Cathcart and Wayne Burkhart were not too excited by the idea. Brian?
Brian Puntin inquired if there are any bylaws that regulate water run off on abutting property. He was told about an earth removal bylaw, an impervious surface bylaw, and the scenic mountain act, all of which could address that situation.
The Board discussed the vacant seat on the Planning Board created by Wayne Burkhart’s resignation from the Board (due to his new job as Monterey Select Board member). Janet Cathcart suggested that we put a request in the Monterey News for anyone interested in joining the Planning Board to submit a letter of interest, and that we would schedule interviews for the meeting of June 22, 2006. During the discussion it was noted that Riccardo Boehm, who ran for a seat on the Planning Board against Laurily Epstein and lost, was still interested in serving on the Board. There was a question as to whether appointing an individual who had lost in an election was subverting the voting process, but no conclusion was reached.
We also discussed the ongoing search for a secretary for the Planning Board. Janet suggested that we should offer $15.00 per hour instead of $12.00 per hour.
The Board discussed the master plan and how to move forward. Laurily Epstein suggested that a representatives from the Planning Board meet with the different groups in town such as: the Bidwell House; the Library Committee; the coffee club; the Land Trust; the Fire Co.; and all the various town boards. She contended that this was the best way to understand what people want to see in terms of planning in Monterey. We also noted that the Community Development Plan had a lot of survey info that would help us. Janet Cathcart suggested that we breakout topics that would be addressed in the master plan and write a paragraph summarizing the info from the Community Development Plan. Brian, Janet, and Maggie agreed to write up something for the next meeting. Janet emphasized the importance of “Just getting started.”
The Board discussed what to include in this month’s Monterey News article.
Wayne Burkhart reported on topics covered at the last Berkshire Regional Planning Commission meeting.
Meeting adjourned 9:35
Respectfully submitted,
Maggie Leonard
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