Town of Mount Desert Planning Board APPROVED
Minutes of February 10, 2003 03-17-2003
Board Members Present Public Present
Marc Sevigny, Chairman John Romano
James Clunan, Vice Chairman
Samuel M. Fox III
Joseph Tracy
Robert Coolidge, alt
Brent Hamor, CEO; Barbara Williams, Assistant; Joelle D. Nolan, Recording Secretary
I. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
II. The draft minutes from the January 13, 2003 meeting were unanimously approved as amended.
III. Old Business
A. Advertising costs
Board instructed Mrs. Nolan to again ask the Town Manager if he has compared the advertising costs between The Bar Harbor Times and The Islander. It is believed that the Town of Bar Harbor awarded its advertising contract to The Islander because the rates were lower.
IV. New Business
D. (taken out of order) John Romano, Tax Map 12 Lot 13-13, 49 Woods Road, Mt. Desert - Sketch plan review for a 2-lot subdivision
Mr. Romano explained that he would like to divide his 8.50 acre lot into two lots of 5.08 acres and 3.42 acres. He hopes to sell the 3.42 acres lot to an abutting neighbor; if the neighbor doesn’t purchase the lot, it will go on the open market.
There was discussion about the proposed right-of-way. It appears to be only 12 feet wide. The minimum width could be 25 feet. If it does not serve 3 or more lots it is exempt from the Subdivision Ordinance standard of 50 feet in width. Mr. Romano said it would really be a driveway and he would like to keep it as narrow as possible.
Board discussed whether or not this falls under a revision to a subdivision. Mr. Romano has owned the lot for 5 years and the division is only to two lots. Also, if the abutting neighbor buys the lot, it will be “combined” with the neighbor’s present lot.
Mr. Romano said he does not plan to do anything soon, but he does need to know what he is able to do with the lot and under what conditions.
Board instructed CEO to contact MMA for an opinion as to whether or not this is a revision to an existing subdivision; is it a new subdivision; and, does the fact that the lot has been owned for five years and will only be divided into two lots make a difference.
A. Board Membership, expiring terms – discussion
Mrs. Nolan reminded the Board that the Selectmen will be making appointments next month. Chairman Sevigny’s and alternate member Paula Knudsen’s terms expire in March 2003. Chairman Sevigny said he would like to continue his position on the Board. Mrs. Nolan will contact Mrs. Knudsen.
B. Board meetings, location for March 2003 and September 2003, - discussion
Mrs. Nolan explained that the Board of Selectmen has claimed the Meeting Room for the Planning Board’s regularly scheduled meeting dates of March 10 & 24 and September 8 & 22. Board agreed its first choice for a meeting place would be the Northeast Harbor Library and second choice would be the Fire Chief’s office. Mrs. Nolan will pursue and report to the Board.
C. Review of requests to purchase town owned property
The two properties are Tax Map 24 Lot 106 the former Fire House and Town Office located on Main Street, Northeast Harbor (currently leased and occupied by the Great Harbor Museum), and Tax Map 30 Lot 10 a vacant lot located on Main Street, Seal Harbor.
Chairman Sevigny introduced the idea of having the Planning Board authorize the Ordinance Review Committee to review and give an opinion regarding the sale of the two properties. Mr. Clunan stated that he is a member of the Board of Directors for the Great Harbor Museum. A discussion followed concerning Planning Board and ORC members deliberating/recommending/voting on such matters if member is also affiliated with the property.
Chairman Sevigny then polled members about their thoughts on selling these properties. Mr. Tracy and Dr. Fox were not in favor of selling; Mr. Coolidge was less reluctant to sell; Ms. Williams noted the loss of control if sold; and the Chairman said he felt no compelling interest to sell without a review by the ORC.
The CEO confirmed that the Board of Selectmen is looking for an opinion within the next 6 months.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED (Tracy/Coolidge) TO CHARGE THE ORDINANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE WITH REVIEWING THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PROPERTIES AND WITHIN THE NEXT SIX MONTHS MAKE A RECOMMENDATION TO THE PLANNING BOARD (who will in turn make a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen) REGARDING THE SALE OF SAID PROPERTIES. During the discussion it was noted that the ORC may indeed decide it cannot offer an opinion regarding the sale of town owned property. A VOTE WAS CALLED AND THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0 WITH MR. CLUNAN ABSTAINING DUE TO HIS POSITION WITH THE GREAT HARBOR MUSEUM.
V. Meeting adjourned at 7:06 p.m. The next scheduled meeting/public hearing(s) is at 6:00 p.m., Monday, March 17, 2003 in the Meeting Room, Town Hall, Northeast Harbor.
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