Planning Board
April 5, 2011
Approved May 3, 2011
Members Present: Ron Williams, Vice-Chair; Bruce Healey, Russell Smith, Bill Weiler, Members; Rachel Ruppel, Advisor; Jim Powell, ex-officio member.
Mr. Williams called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
Elizabeth Ashworth Resignation
Mr. Williams read into the record the resignation submitted by Elizabeth Ashworth, Member: “March 29, 2011, Mr. Tom Vannatta, Chair, Planning Board, Newbury, NH 03255, Dear Tom: I have been struggling with some personal health issues (not life threatening) over the last few months and it has become clear that I need to make some dramatic changes in my commitments. It is for this reason that I am stepping down from the planning board. This has been a tough decision and I will honestly miss working with everyone. Sincerely, Elizabeth Ashworth”
Mr. Powell made a motion to accept Ms. Ashworth’s resignation and to send her a letter acknowledging her service on the Planning Board. Mr. Smith seconded the motion. All in favor.
Appointment of Bill Weiler
Mr. Williams said Ms. Ashworth’s resignation leaves a vacancy on the Board and that Bill Weiler has agreed to finish out Ms. Ashworth’s term this year.
Mr. Powell made a motion to accept Bill Weiler as a full Board member for the rest of this term this year. Mr. Healey seconded that motion. All in favor.
CAP Application and Review
The Board discussed a point raised by Ms. Ashworth at the March 15, 2011 meeting concerning the appropriate time for a Board member to express his/her opinion concerning a case under consideration.
There was discussion regarding procedure that covered the above and when to include the opinion of the Board’s consulting engineer.
LSPA Watershed Project
The Board reviewed the information presented at the recent LSPA Watershed Project presentation and noted that Newbury has actively researched the status of its culverts. Mr. Powell said an inventory of all the culverts in town has been completed and replacement needs are communicated to the Board of Selectmen. He noted that the DES requirements present a great deal of additional considerations and can be technically challenging to meet.
There was discussion regarding reviewing the sub division regulations regarding culverts. Mr. Weiler suggested having Lou Caron, the Planning Board’s consulting engineer for the CAP project, review the regulations and make suggestions in light of the LSPA Project. Mr. Williams said this might result in the creation of a model ordinance that could be useful to other towns in the area.
There was further general discussion regarding culverts.
There was general discussion regarding the security bond for the CAP Newbury Elderly Housing project.
Rachel Ruppel Projects
The Board discussed upcoming projects for Ms. Ruppel including the Capital Improvements Program (CIP).
Minutes
The Board reviewed the minutes of March 15, 2011 and made corrections. Mr. Healey made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Mr. Smith seconded the motion.
In Favor: Mr. Smith, Mr. Healey, Mr. Williams
Abstain: Mr. Powell.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
Ms. Ruppel noted that the 2010 Census figures are available for population and housing and the Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission is preparing a summary fact sheet town-by-town which she will distribute. She said the Census figures show that region has experienced significant growth in the past ten years.
Mr. Powell made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Healey seconded the motion. All in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 8:13 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Meg Whittemore
Recording Secretary
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