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Planning Board Meeting Minutes - 05/27/08
Town of Mount Desert
Planning Board Meeting Minutes
May 27, 2008
Town Hall Meeting Room, Northeast Harbor



Public Present
James Nolan; Tony Smith; David Lamon; Debbie Musetti; David Irvin

Board Members Present                   
James Clunan, Chairman; James R. Bright, Vice Chairman; Schofield Andrews III, Secretary

Kim Keene, CEO; Danielle Goodwin, Recording Secretary


I.      The meeting was called to order at 6:03 p.m.

II.     Public Hearings

        Conditional Use Approval Application (s)

A.       Conditional Use Permit # 009-2008
                NAME:  James A. & Joelle D. Nolan               
                LOCATION:  34 Summit Road, Northeast Harbor
                TAX MAP:  26   LOT:  3-2   ZONE(S): Village Residential 1
PURPOSE: Section 6B.8 - Fences and walls
SITE INSPECTION: 4:30PM

No conflict of interest was reported. The regular members present are the voting members for this hearing.  It was confirmed the notice was published in the Bar Harbor Times.

Site Inspection was attended by Mr. Clunan, Mr. Bright, and Mr. Andrews and reported by Mr. Bright. There is an existing fence 40 feet long by 6 feet high. The Nolan's propose to replace the fence with one 7 to 8 feet high with 2 feet of lattice work on the top to provide more privacy and a better view. Mr. Andrews pointed out that it would only be visible by the Nolan's and the abutters. Mrs. Keene had no comments.  

MOTION TO APPROVE MADE BY Mr. Andrews; SECONDED BY Mr. Bright.

The Standards of Section 6 of the LUZO, as amended May 6, 2008 were reviewed as follows:

CHECKLIST
for review of the
Land Use Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Mount Desert
(03/06/78, as am. through 05/6/08)


** Note:        All Conclusions of Law are to be read as if they are prefaced by the words "Based upon said Findings of Fact …"


SECTION 6 STANDARDS FOR USES, PERMITS AND APPROVALS

6A GENERAL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

6A. 1   Compatibility    The proposed use shall be compatible with the permitted uses within the district in which it is located as measured in terms of its:

Physical Size:
Findings of Fact(s):    This is an application for a fence- no more than 10 ft high.                    
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        

Visual Impact:
Findings of Fact(s):    The fence will only visible by owner and abutter not from the road.             
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        

Proximity to other structures:
Findings of Fact(s):    The proposed fence will be no closer than the existing fence.                   
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        

Density of Development:
Findings of Fact(s):    The area is densely developed and has many fences.                              
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        

Conclusion of Law for s. 6A. 1 Compatibility: The proposed use will be compatible with the permitted uses within the district in which it is located as measured in terms of its physical size, visual impact, proximity to other structures, and density of development.

In particular,                                                                                          
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                (3/0)   


6A. 2   Erosion Control
1.      Filling, grading. Filling, grading … shall be conducted in such a manner to prevent, to the maximum extent possible, erosion and sedimentation.

Findings of Fact(s):    Not applicable                                                                  
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        

Conclusion of Law:      Filling, grading, etc. will [not] be conducted in such a manner to prevent, to the maximum extent possible, erosion and sedimentation.
                                                                                                                                                                                                         (3/0)   

2.      Removal of sand or gravel. Removal of sand or gravel from natural beaches or the disruption or removal of buffer strips that protect fragile land areas immediately behind a shoreline and on neighboring properties is prohibited.

x N/A           ? Applicable, Standard Met      ? Applicable, Standard Not Met

3.      Tilling of soil. Where soil is tilled in a Conservation District, or where soil in excess of twenty thousand (20,000) square feet lying either wholly or partially within the area covered by this Ordinance is tilled in a Rural or Woodland District, such tillage shall be carried out in conformance with …

x N/A           ? Applicable, Standard Met      ? Applicable, Standard Not Met


6A. 3   Highway Safety The proposed use shall not cause unreasonable congestion on highways or public
        roads, or unsafe conditions with respect to the use of highways or public roads existing or proposed.

Findings of Fact(s):    Only a fence; not near a public way.                                            
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        

Conclusion of Law: The proposed use will not cause unreasonable congestion on highways or public roads, or unsafe conditions with respect to the use of highways or public roads existing or proposed.      
                                                                                                ______
                                                                                                (3/0)   

Sufficient off-street parking shall be available:
Findings of Fact(s):    Application for a fence only                                                    
                                                                                                        

Conclusion of Law: Sufficient off-street parking will not be available:
                                                                                                        
        NA                                                                                      (3/0)   


6A. 4   Impact on Town Services The proposed use shall not unduly burden the capacity of the Town's facilities, including public water and sewage, or the ability of the Town to provide essential public services (such as, but not limited to, schools, fire and police protection, refuse collection, and parking) to its residents and visitors.

Findings of Fact(s):    Application for a fence only                                                    
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        

Conclusion of Law:      The proposed use of                                              will [not] unduly burden the capacity of the Town's facilities.  [In particular, an undue burden will be placed upon]          
                                                                                                        
                NA                                                                              (3/0)   

6A. 5   Land Suitability  All land uses shall be located on soils in or upon which the proposed uses or
structures can be established or maintained without causing adverse environmental impacts, including severe erosion, mass soil movement, and water pollution, whether during or after construction …

Findings of Fact(s):    Application for  a fence only- not applicable                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Conclusion of Law:      Proposed land use of                                             will [not] be located on soils so as to not causing adverse environmental impacts, including severe erosion, mass soil movement, and water pollution, whether during or after construction.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 (3/0)   


6A. 6   Lighting - Outdoor
x N/A           ? Applicable, Standard Met      ? Applicable, Standard Not Met

There will be no lighting on the fence.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  


6A. 7   Nuisances Notwithstanding any other standard in this section, the Planning Board shall not issue any Conditional Use Approval for any proposed use which if established would be obnoxious or offensive by reason of:

Odors;          x N/A           ? Applicable, Standard Met      ? Applicable, Standard Not Met
Dust;           x N/A           ? Applicable, Standard Met      ? Applicable, Standard Not Met
Smoke;  x N/A           ? Applicable, Standard Met      ? Applicable, Standard Not Met
Gas;            x N/A           ? Applicable, Standard Met      ? Applicable, Standard Not Met
Fumes;  x N/A           ? Applicable, Standard Met      ? Applicable, Standard Not Met
Vibration;      x N/A           ? Applicable, Standard Met      ? Applicable, Standard Not Met
Noise;          x N/A           ? Applicable, Standard Met      ? Applicable, Standard Not Met
Outdoor lighting x N/A          ? Applicable, Standard Met      ? Applicable, Standard Not Met
Other           x N/A           ? Applicable, Standard Met      ? Applicable, Standard Not Met

… nor for any use which would prove injurious to the safety and welfare of the neighborhood.

Findings of Fact(s):    Replacing existing fence only.                                                  
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        

Conclusion of Law:              The application is in compliance with Section 6A.7                      
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                (3/0)   

6A. 8   Preserving the Town's Character The proposed use shall be consistent with protecting the general character of the Town, conserving the natural beauty of the area and shall not tend to change the historical or cultural character of the neighborhood.  Such use shall be similar to a use specified as P, CEO or C in Section 3.4 and shall be in accord with the Comprehensive Plan.

Findings of Fact(s):    Replacing an existing 20 + year old fence .                                     
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        

Conclusion of Law:      The proposed use will be consistent with protecting the general character of the Town, will not be consistent with conserving the natural beauty of the area and will not tend to change the historical or cultural character of the neighborhood.  Such use will] be similar to a use specified as P, CEO or C in Section 3.4 and will [not] be in accord with the Comprehensive Plan. In particular,                  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         (3/0)   


6A. 9   Stormwater
x N/A           ? Applicable, Standard Met      ? Applicable, Standard Not Met

Findings of Fact(s):                                                                    
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        

Conclusion of Law:                                                                                      
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                (3/0)   


6A. 10  Vegetation
1.      Clearing. Clearing of trees or conversion to other vegetation is allowed for permitted construction provided that:
1.      Appropriate measures are taken, if necessary, to prevent erosion when activity is undertaken.
2.      The activity is in conformity with State Mandated Shoreland Zoning.

2.      Tree removal near town roads. Removal of more than 25% of the trees within 25 feet of any town or state road in any 12 month period shall require a Conditional Use Approval of the Planning Board.

3.      Slash. No accumulation of slash shall be left within 50 feet of any town or state road or within 50 feet of the normal highwater mark of any waterbody.  Slash shall be disposed of so that no part extends more than 4 feet above the ground.

4.      Shoreland zoning. Provisions of the State of Maine Shoreland Zoning Act shall apply in the State Mandated Shoreland Zone for timber harvesting and clearing of vegetation, as per Title 38 MRSA § 439-A.5 and 439-A.6.  

5.      CEO Permit. A CEO Permit is required for cutting timber larger than 4 inches in diameter measured 4 ½ feet above ground when the total amount to be cut is greater than 10 cords but less than 50 cords in any one year period.

6.      Conditional Use Approval. Conditional Use Approval is required from the Planning Board for cutting timber larger than 4 inches in diameter measured 4 ½ feet above ground when the total amount to be cut is 50 cords or more in any one year period.

Findings of Fact(s):    There will be no clearing of vegetation.                                        
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        

Conclusion of Law:      The application is in compliance with Section 6A.10.                                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                (3/0)   

6B      SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR ACTIVITIES AND LAND USES
6B. 1   Agriculture     All spreading or disposal of manure shall be accomplished in conformance with the "Maine Guidelines for Manure and Manure Sludge Disposal on Land", published by the University of Maine and the Maine Soil and Water Conservation Commission, in July 1972.

x N/A           ? Applicable, Standard Met      ? Applicable, Standard Not Met


6B. 2   Air Landing Sites       No air landing site shall be developed or used for such purpose without Conditional Use Approval of the Planning Board.

x N/A           ? Applicable, Standard Met      ? Applicable, Standard Not Met


6B. 3   Beach Construction      Beach construction on any great pond, river, stream, brook, or coastal wetland shall require a permit from the State Department of Environmental Protection.

x N/A           ? Applicable, Standard Met      ? Applicable, Standard Not Met

6B. 4   Boat Storage    No boat in excess of twenty four (24) feet length shall be stored or parked on any residential property within the Town except as such vessel shall be owned or be within the exclusive use or control of the property owner, and shall meet the setback requirements of the district in which the property is located, and in no event shall be stored or parked less than ten (10) feet from the rear line of said property.

x N/A           ? Applicable, Standard Met      ? Applicable, Standard Not Met


6B. 5   Campgrounds Campgrounds shall conform to the minimum requirements imposed under State licensing procedures and the following:
1.      Minimum site size. Camping areas shall contain a minimum of five thousand (5,000) square feet of suitable land, not including roads and driveways, for each site.
2.      Water setback. The area intended for placement of the recreational vehicle, tent, or shelter and utility and service buildings, shall be set back a minimum of seventy (75) feet from the normal high water mark of any pond, river, or salt water body as defined.

x N/A           ? Applicable, Standard Met      ? Applicable, Standard Not Met


6B. 6   Driveway Construction
x N/A           ? Applicable, Standard Met      ? Applicable, Standard Not Met

Findings of Fact(s):                                                                                    
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        

Conclusion of Law:                                                                                      
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                (3/0)   

6B. 7   Excavation or filling   Excavation or filling shall be permitted in any district only to the extent such activities are essential or are incidental to any permitted, conditional, or other lawful use.  Filling, dumping, or excavation of any matter of fifty (50) cubic yards or greater within a twelve (12) month period shall require a Code Enforcement Officer permit provided that there are no slopes in excess of 4:1 and the activity is more than one hundred (100) feet from the normal high water line of a waterbody.  Excavation and filling, greater than fifty (50) cubic yards in a twelve (12) month period, with slopes greater than 4:1 or within one hundred (100) feet from the high water line of a waterbody shall require a Conditional Use Approval of the Planning Board.  Appropriate measures shall be taken to prevent erosion during or after the filling or excavation.  All fill permits are approved for a twelve (12) month period only and expire twelve (12) months from the date of approval. The Code Enforcement Officer may renew either the Code Enforcement Officer permit or the Conditional Use Approval for additional twelve (12) month periods.

x N/A           ? Applicable, Standard Met      ? Applicable, Standard Not Met

Findings of Fact(s):                                                                                    
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        

Conclusion of Law:                                                                                      
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                (3/0)   

6B. 8   Fences and walls
? N/A           x Applicable, Standard Met      ? Applicable, Standard Not Met

6B. 9   Fresh Water Related Structures
1.      Access from shore shall be developed on soils appropriate for such use, and constructed so as to control erosion.
2.      The location shall not interfere with existing uses.
3.      The facility shall be located so as to minimize adverse effects on fisheries.
4.      The facility shall be no larger in dimension than necessary to carry on the activity, and be consistent with existing conditions, uses, and character of the area.

5.      Piers, docks, floats, wharves, breakwaters, causeways, marinas, bridges more than 20 feet in length, and permanent uses projecting into fresh water bodies from normal high water level shall require Conditional Use Approval of the Planning Board.  The Planning Board may issue guidelines to insure compliance with state laws.

x N/A           ? Applicable, Standard Met      ? Applicable, Standard Not Met

Findings of Fact(s):                                                                                    
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        

Conclusion of Law:                                                                                      
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                (3/0)   


6B. 10  Home occupations and home offices Home occupations and home offices (except those of a temporary or casual nature) shall require a permit from the Code Enforcement Officer to insure compliance with the following standards: …

x N/A           ? Applicable, Standard Met      ? Applicable, Standard Not Met
Findings of Fact(s):                                                                                    
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        

Conclusion of Law:                                                                                      
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                (3/0)   

6B. 11  Lots
1.      Lots abutting more than one road …
x N/A           ? Applicable, Standard Met      ? Applicable, Standard Not Met
2.      Additional one family or two family dwellings …
x N/A           ? Applicable, Standard Met      ? Applicable, Standard Not Met
3.      Shoreland Residential and Shoreland Commercial Districts …
x N/A           ? Applicable, Standard Met      ? Applicable, Standard Not Met
4.      Minimum area suitable for development …
x N/A           ? Applicable, Standard Met      ? Applicable, Standard Not Met
5.      Measurement of lots …
                 x N/A          ? Applicable, Standard Met      ? Applicable, Standard Not Met

6B. 12  Manufactured Homes Manufactured homes, or housing, as defined in Section 8, which are structures to be used for residential occupancy and which have a pitched shingle roof, a permanent foundation or masonry slab, piers or walls, and exterior siding of clapboard, cedar shingles, wooden or vinyl material that is residential in appearance are permitted.

x N/A           ? Applicable, Standard Met      ? Applicable, Standard Not Met



6B. 13  Marine Structure Performance Standards
        x N/A   (3/0)   ?  Residential marine structure ?  Commercial or public marine structure
Commercial and public marine structures are exempt from requirements 7 through 10.

1.      Access from the shore to the marine structure shall be developed on soils appropriate for such use and measures shall be taken to minimize soil erosion both during and after construction …

Findings of Fact(s):                                                                                                                                                                                         


Conclusion of Law: Access from the shore to the marine structure will [not] be developed on soils appropriate for such use and [but] measures will [not] be taken to minimize soil erosion both during and after construction.

                                                                                                

2.      The location of the marine structure shall not unreasonably interfere with access to existing marine structures or points of public access, nor shall it unreasonably interfere with the use of other marine structures and landing places.

Findings of Fact(s):                                                                                    
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        
Conclusion of Law: The location of the marine structure will [not] unreasonably interfere with access to existing marine structures or points of public access, and it will [not] unreasonably interfere with the use of other marine structures and landing places.
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                

3.      The marine structure shall be designed, sited, and constructed to minimize adverse impacts on significant wildlife habitats or unique natural areas including, but not limited to: fin fish and shellfish fisheries, salt marshes, eel grass beds, shorebird and nesting habitats, critical fish spawning and nursery areas.

Findings of Fact(s):                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Conclusion of Law:      The marine structure will [not] be designed, sited, and constructed to minimize adverse impacts on significant wildlife habitats or unique natural areas.
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        

4.      Interference with the natural flow of any surface or subsurface waters shall be minimized during the construction and subsequent use of the marine structure.

Findings of Fact(s):                                                                                    
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        

Conclusion of Law:      Interference with the natural flow of any surface or subsurface waters will [not] be minimized during the construction and subsequent use of the marine structure.
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        
_______________________________________________________________________(3/0)

5.      The marine structure shall be designed, sited, and constructed so as not to encroach upon officially designated navigation channels.

Findings of Fact(s):                                                                                    
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        

Conclusion of Law:      The marine structure is [not] designed, and will [not] be sited, and constructed so as not to encroach upon officially designated navigation channels.                          

                                                                                                        
______________________________________________________________________________

6.      The Planning Board shall request comment from the Harbor Master in cases where the applicant proposes to build a marine structure in an officially designated mooring area.
                x N/A   ?       Applicable - comment requested

7.      The marine structure shall comply with the dimensional limits listed below.  The facility shall be no larger than necessary to accomplish the purposes for which it is designed.  Its size and construction shall not change the intensity of the adjoining land use, and by no means shall exceed a total distance of more than one-third the width of the water body, when proposed for coastal or inland waters.  Notwithstanding the dimensional limits below, in areas where the horizontal distance from the normal high water line to the mean lower low water is in excess of 160 feet, no permanent structure will be allowed seaward of the normal high water line.





Marine Structure        Dimensional Requirement
Max. length of entire marine structure (i.e. pier, ramp and float combined)     225 feet 1
Maximum length of all permanent structures      150 feet
Maximum length of all non-permanent structures (i.e. ramp and float)    75 feet 2
Maximum width of pier walkway   6 feet
Maximum width of ramp   6 feet
Maximum square footage of floats        400 square feet
Max. square footage of floats for communal marine structures (see 8 and 9 below)        800 square feet
1  Or length needed to obtain six feet of depth of water at mean lower low water, whichever is less.
2  In cases where no permanent structure is proposed the applicant will be permitted to install a ramp and float extending no further than 75 feet into the water body.

Findings of Fact(s):                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Conclusion of Law:      The marine structural dimensional standards have [not] been met.  The facility is designed for the purpose of                                   .  The facility will be [no] larger than necessary to accomplish the purposes for which it is designed.  Its size and construction shall not change the intensity of the adjoining land use
                                                                                                        

                                                                                                        
                                                                                                (3/0)   

8.      If two or more shorefront lot owners choose to share a communal marine structure the applicant may request additional square footage of floats.
x  N/A          ? Applicable, no request                        ?  Applicable, request made

9.      When proposed by the applicant, new subdivisions may provide a communal dock in lieu of the development of docks on individual lots.  The applicant may request additional square footage of floats provided a demonstrated need can be shown.

x  N/A          ? Applicable, no request                ?  Applicable, request made
Findings of Fact(s):    Not a marine structure  - not applicable.                                       
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        

Conclusion of Law:      The applicant has [not] demonstrated that a need exists for additional square footage of floats.                                                                                        

                                                                                                        
                                                                                                (3/0)   

10.     There shall be no more than one marine structure on a lot.
x  N/A          ? Applicable, standard met              ? Applicable, standard not met

6B. 14  Mineral Exploration     Mineral exploration to determine the nature or extent of mineral resources shall be accomplished by hand sampling, test boring, or other methods which create minimal disturbance.  Approval of the Planning Board shall be required for mineral exploration that exceeds the above limitations.

x N/A           ? Applicable, standard met              ? Applicable, standard not met

6B. 15  Mobile Homes (temporary), Campers, Trailers and Recreational Vehicles   No temporary or older mobile home, camper, trailer, or other recreational vehicle shall be used for human habitation unless it is in a campground or a trailer park which has been established in accord with provisions of this Ordinance …

x  N/A          ? Applicable, standard met              ? Applicable, standard not met

6B. 16  Sanitary Standards
1.      Availability of public sewer. All plumbing systems within two hundred (200) feet of a public sewer shall be connected to public sewer where available in accordance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.  The Planning Board may waive this requirement if all other standards of Section 6A and the applicable standards of Section 6B are met.

x       N/A
?       Applicable, but not within 200'
?       Applicable, is within 200', but requirement waived
?       Applicable, is within 200', connection required
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        

2.      State standards. All subsurface sewage disposal facilities shall be installed in conformance with the State of Maine Subsurface Wastewater Disposal Rules.

x  N/A          ? Applicable, standard met              ? Applicable, standard not met
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        



6B.17   Sign Regulations        …
3.      Signs Permitted: Temporary Signs:
x  N/A          ? Applicable, standard met              ? Applicable, standard not met
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                (3/0)   

4.      Signs Permitted:  Permanent Signs:
x  N/A          ? Applicable, standard met              ? Applicable, standard not met
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                (3/0)   

6B.18   Street/Road Design and Construction Roads shall hereafter be located, constructed, and maintained in such a manner that there is minimal potential for erosion.  Adequate provision shall be made to prevent soil erosion and sedimentation of surface waters.  Additionally, all roads constructed shall conform to the following standards …

x  N/A          ? Applicable, standard met              ? Applicable, standard not met
Findings of Fact(s):    No road construction                                                            
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        

Conclusion of Law:                                                                                      
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                (3/0)   

6B.19   Vehicles, Unregistered  No more than two (2) unregistered and/or uninspected vehicles may be stored on any residential lot, unless said vehicles cannot be viewed from any public way.

x  N/A          ? Applicable, standard met              ? Applicable, standard not met

AN OVERALL VOTE WAS CALLED AND THE BOARD FOUND THE APPLICATION IN COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 6B. (3/0)
=============================================================


A VOTE WAS CALLED AND THE MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (3/0).

III.   Presentation by Tony Smith, Public Works Director - Regarding the Somesville                            Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade.

Mr. Smith announced that the 5.3 million dollar bond to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant in Somesville was approved and gave a presentation describing the lot and the changes to be made. There was discussion regarding sanitary techniques, safety, nuisances, and lighting.  The Board questioned whether Municipal projects were exempt which they are not in order to protect Mrs. Keene and the ZBOA. Mr. Bright noted that if the project was within Mrs. Keene's scope to grant the permit then the Board would not require an additional Conditional Use Application. Mr. Clunan suggested a press release to notify the abutters and allow for public input.


IV.     Other
        David Lamon, Executive Director of the Somes Wildlife Sanctuary gave a brief summation of the fish restoration project he'd been involved with over the past 3 years. He has raised money to repair the four dams and restore the fish ways from Somesville to Long Pond. Mr. Lamon's fundraising pitch was the historical and educational pieces of the project which he felt would be best shared via the signs the Sanctuary had already created. He went on to explain the proposed location for them. After lengthy discussion, regarding possible locations and researching the definition of a "sign". The Board found that the exhibit did not exceed the limit of 32 sq. feet on the MDI Historical Society.

        MOTION TO APPROVE MADE BY MR. ANDREWS; SECONDED BY MR. BRIGHT.

A VOTE WAS CALLED AND THE MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (3/0).


V.      Workshop
        Discuss "Draft" copies of Subdivision Ordinance proposal received via e-mail
           March 3, 2008. Appendix, Article 4 - Procedures for Filing Subdivision
           Applications & Article 5 - General Submission Requirements and Design
          Standards.   

Mr. Clunan gave a brief summary of his conversation with Mr. Rothe.  The New Comprehensive Plan did not pass, so we wouldn't be working with that at this time. The Board found Mr. Arendt's presentation to be beneficial and have ordered his books to review. Meanwhile, the Board decided to focus on scenic vistas first then Subdivisions. The Board wanted to discuss with Mr. Rothe, his skills in defining scenic vistas and GIS mapping. Mr. Clunan also suggested trying to utilize our very knowledgeable Tax Assessor, Kyle Avila who would be joining the Board on June 9, 2008.

The Board decided to first focus on scenic vistas using Mr. Rothe's material and public input to collaborate a list. Mr. Clunan reviewed some notes from the Summer Residents Association. Mrs. Musetti suggested and the Board agreed that the focus should be on regulating development to ensure quality rather than limiting development. Mr. Irvin also suggested a trial run looking at a few obvious vistas. Mr. Clunan stated that he would e-mail the Board members summarizing the discussion.

Mr. Irvin suggested using the website as a bulletin to post current development and stimulate public involvement. The Board explained that the website is maintained by current office staff and their current responsibilities do not allow the extra time to put into it. Mrs. Musetti suggested hiring an additional person as she felt it was very important for people to keep advised. The Board explained that would be up to the Board of Selectman to make it a priority.

Mr. Clunan resigned as Chairman of the Mt. Desert Planning Board.


VI.     The minutes of the February 7, 2008 Planning Board Meeting were unanimously approved as amended.


X.      Meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM. The next scheduled meeting/public hearing(s) is at 6:00 p.m., Monday, June 9, 2008 in the Meeting Room, Town Hall, Northeast Harbor.


Respectfully submitted,




Patti Reilly, Secretary