Planning Board
December 21, 2010
Approved February 15, 2011
Members Present: Tom Vannatta, Chair; Barbara Freeman, Vice-Chair; Bill Weiler, Bruce Healey, Travis Dezotell, Members; Ron Williams, Deane Geddes, Alison Kinsman, Russell Smith, Alternates; Ken McWilliams, Advisor.
Mr. Vannatta called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
Minutes
The Board reviewed the minutes of November 16, 2010 and made corrections. Mr. Weiler made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Mr. Healey seconded the motion. All in favor.
Circuit Rider Interview
Mr. Vannatta informed the Board that, following a thorough review of candidates for the position of Planning Consultant/Circuit Rider, Rachel Ruppel, GIS Analyst/Planner with the Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission (UVLSRPC), has been selected to replace Ken McWilliams effective January 1, 2011.
Mr. Vannatta introduced Ms. Ruppel to the Board. Ms. Ruppel shared her background with the Board, saying she is skilled in the GIS mapping and analysis computer programming, has been working with the UVLSRPC for the past 3 ½ years in the areas of technical mapping and planning. She has been working with the Wilmot Planning Board for two years in the areas of preparation and presentation of zoning ordinance amendments and subdivision regulation changes. She has worked with the Sunapee Conservation Commission and the Sunapee Planning Board to develop the natural resources portion of the Master Plan. Her work with New London included defining the town’s zoning boundaries. Additionally, her experience includes work in the area of broadband expansion, natural resources planning for conservation commissions, and
Master Plan development.
Ms. Ruppel stated that her professional affiliation with UVLSRPC allows her to utilize the expertise of fellow planning consultants on particular issues. A resident of Sutton, Ms. Ruppel expressed her preference to work with small towns and to take advantage of ongoing educational opportunities to deepen her professional knowledge.
Mr. Vannatta introduced the Board and opened the meeting for questions.
Mr. McWilliams asked how many UVLSRPC planners are circuit riders. Ms. Ruppel said five planners including herself. Mr. McWilliams noted the benefit of having four additional individuals as an additional resource for issues that may arise. Ms. Ruppel said she meets with the other circuit riders to review any new legislation and its applicability to the towns she serves.
Ms. Freeman stated that the Newbury Planning Board is a seasoned group of individuals who have a wide range of skills and many years of experience on the Board.
Mr. Williams asked about Ms. Ruppel’s approach when working on the Master Plan for towns.
Ms. Ruppel said the most important thing is to agree on a vision for the town and then apply the appropriate state regulations to that vision. She said the content must be up to date and strategies in place to enact land use policies. She said the challenge is to go from the Master Plan to enacting zoning ordinances.
Mr. Geddes asked about shoreline property and how the reconfigured floodplain maps applied to those areas.
Ms. Ruppel said the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) creates the floodplain maps and discussed the process involved in challenging the FEMA maps.
Mr. Williams asked if her experience included working on the Capital Improvements Program (CIP).
Ms Ruppel said she has a conceptual knowledge of the process. Ivor Freeman, Chair of the CIP introduced himself from the audience. Mr. McWilliams said he will share all the CIP files with Ms. Ruppel.
Mr. Vannatta thanked Ms. Ruppel for meeting with the Board.
Mr. Vannatta called for a motion.
Mr. Weiler made a motion to enter into a contract for circuit rider services provided by the UVLSRPC via Rachel Ruppel for the 2011 contract year. Mr. Healey seconded the motion. All in favor.
CAP Newbury Elderly Housing Project Update
Mr. Vannatta asked the Board to review a letter sent by UVLSRPC on December 15, 2010 concerning the CAP Newbury Elderly Housing Project.
Mr. Vannatta reviewed the CAP ZBA variance hearing held on December 13, 2010 and said the ZBA decided that it would be in the best interest of the applicant’s and the ZBA to continue the variance hearing until December 29, 2010 at 7:15 p.m. pending input from legal counsel.
Zoning Amendment Public Hearing
Mr. Vannatta said the public hearing for the proposed zoning amendments is on January 4, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. and has been properly noticed and copies are available for the public.
Mr. McWilliams said if a second public hearing is needed it would be on January 25, 2011.
Mr. Vannatta said the proposed sign ordinance is ready to share with the local businesses, as planned by the Sign Committee. Mr. Healey said Mr. Powell intends to write a cover letter to the business owners, copy the proposed amendments, and decide on a distribution method.
Ken McWilliams Farewell
Mr. Vannatta called for a motion to have the following resolution read into the minutes.
Ms. Freeman made a motion to have the following resolution read into the minutes. Mr. Williams seconded the motion. All in favor.
Mr. Vannatta read the following resolution into the record:
Date of adoption: December 21, 2010
WHEREAS, the Newbury Planning Board wishes to honor Kenneth B. McWilliams for his twenty- two years of service to the Town of Newbury; and
WHEREAS, Kenneth B. McWilliams has assisted the Planning Board in the performance of its duties, in terms of, administrative leadership, long-range planning, and special projects; and
WHEREAS, Kenneth B. McWilliams has provided the Planning Board with technical assistance, sage advice, and steadfast commitment to effective land use; and
WHEREAS, Kenneth B .McWilliams has earned the respect and recognition of all who know and work with him; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE NEWBURY PLANNING BOARD wishes to acknowledge and thank Kenneth B. McWilliams for his service and wishes him continued success in his future endeavors.
Mr. Vannatta presented Mr. McWilliams with a card expressing appreciation and the Board applauded.
Mr. Dezotell made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Freeman seconded the motion. All in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Meg Whittemore
Recording Secretary
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