Planning Board
December 7, 2010
Approved January 4, 2010
Members Present: Tom Vannatta, Chair; Bill Weiler, Bruce Healey, Members; Ron Williams, Alison Kinsman, Russell Smith, Alternates; Ken McWilliams, Advisor; Jim Powell, ex-officio member.
Mr. Vannatta called the meeting to order at 7:09 p.m.
Mr. Vannatta appointed Ms. Kinsman as a voting member for this meeting.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
Minutes
The Board reviewed the minutes of November 2, 2010 and made corrections. Mr. Weiler made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Mr. Healey seconded the motion. All in favor.
2011 Zoning Amendment Schedule
Mr. Vannatta reviewed the 2011 Zoning Amendment Schedule, noting the Public Hearing on the proposed Zoning Amendments is scheduled for January 4, 2011 and a second Public Hearing, if needed, is scheduled on January 25, 2011.
Draft Zoning Amendments Review
The Board reviewed the Planning Board Proposed Amendment No. 1, to repeal and readopt ARTICLE XIV Signs.
The proposed Sign Ordinance (ARTICLE XIV Signs) was reviewed, discussed and corrections made. Discussion included concerns regarding determining sign size, establishing criteria for sign durability and how to measure maximum sign size. Additionally, it was discussed that signs currently are determined by lot, not by business.
Mr. Healey suggested modifying Item 14.4.4 Calculation of Sign Height to read, “The height of the sign shall be computed as the distance from the normal grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign or the supporting structure.” The Board agreed.
Mr. Powell suggested modifying Item 14.6.1 to read, “Signs and supporting structures shall be constructed of permanent and durable materials able to withstand variable changes in weather conditions.” The Board agreed.
There was discussion concerning making sure signs are constructed to be sturdy and durable. Mr. McWilliams suggested adding the word “safe” to Item 14.11 Sign Maintenance, to read, “Every sign, whether allowed or permitted, shall be maintained in a neat, tidy and safe condition.” The Board agreed.
Mr. Powell noted that the ordinance calls for an increase in the maximum sign size from 24 square feet to 32 square feet. Mr. Smith asked why the increase is necessary. Mr. Powell said the Sign Committee wanted to recognize the importance of signage to businesses.
Mr. Healey added that the Sign Committee recognized not only the importance of being business friendly when addressing this ordinance but also maintaining the aesthetics within the town. The committee recommended a larger maximum sign size but limited the number or signs per lot to one. Mr. Powell said the Committee also worked closely with the existing businesses to make sure their concerns were included in the preparation of this ordinance.
Mr. Williams said a future issue to consider is the aesthetics of the signs. Mr. Healey noted that regulating how a sign looks carries with it a responsibility of monitoring and administering that regulation.
Mr. Powell said the Committee intends to distribute copies of the draft ordinance to the business owners in preparation for the Public Hearing on same on January 4, 2011.
Mr. McWilliams complimented the Sign Committee on its work on the amendment, saying it was a thorough job. Mr. Powell thanked Mr. Weiler for his help during the drafting process.
Mr. McWilliams reviewed the remaining Planning Board Proposed Amendments as following:
- No. 2- Amend ARTICLE II (Definitions) to add a definition of “Forest Management Plan”.
- No. 3- Amend 18.4 Forestry to distinguish between a cutting plan and a forest management plan.
- No. 4- Amend ARTICLE 16.7 to rewrite the section on the criteria for a variance.
- No. 5- Amend ARTICLE 21.2.1 to change “construction” to “development”.
- No. 6- Amend ARTICLE 21.6.4 to delete “that are from sediment” from the end of the sentence.
- No. 7- Amend ARTICLE II Definitions to add a definition of Lot of Record.
- No. 8- Amend ARTICLE 3.9.5.1 to delete the clause referring to building codes, and change the RSA reference from RSA 676:12, III to IV.
There was no discussion concerning the above.
Mr. McWilliams reviewed the proposed Ballot for the 2011 Amendments to the Newbury Zoning Ordinance and the Notice of Public Hearing.
Rules of Procedure Amendments
The Board agreed to table this item until the next meeting.
Circuit Rider/Planning Consultant Interviews
The Board reviewed and discussed the qualifications of the two candidates under consideration for the Planning Consultant position being vacated by Mr. McWilliams at the end of the year. Mr. Vannatta requested that Mr. McWilliams remain during this portion of the meeting.
A search committee comprised of Mr. Vannatta and Mr. Weiler conducted initial interviews with the two candidates under consideration and shared the candidates’ resumes with the Board. The Board reviewed the resumes of Gerald Coogan and Rachel Ruppel.
General discussion followed.
Mr. Vannatta called for an expression of interest concerning which candidate the Board prefers. The Board unanimously selected Ms. Ruppel.
Mr. Vannatta said Ms. Ruppel will be invited to the Board’s meeting on December 21, 2010 to meet and be interviewed by the Board.
Mr. Powell stated that the meeting should be noticed as a non-public session because this is a personnel matter. Mr. Vannatta agreed.
CAP Newbury Elderly Housing Project
Mr. Vannatta said that the CAP/Newbury Elderly Housing applicant is scheduled to appear before the Zoning Board of Adjustment on December 13, 2010 at 7:45 p.m.
Ms. Kinsman made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Powell seconded the motion. All in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 8:54 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Meg Whittemore
Recording Secretary
| 
