Planning Board
October 4, 2011
Approved November 1, 2011
Members Present: Tom Vannatta, Chair; Ron Williams, Vice-Chair; Bill Weiler, Bruce Healey, Travis Dezotell, Members; Deane Geddes, Alison Kinsman, Alternates; Rachel Ruppel, Advisor.
Mr. Vannatta called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
Mr. Vannatta appointed Ms. Kinsman as a voting member for this meeting.
CASE: Case 2011-013: Conceptual Site Plan Review – NH Electric Co-op. Wants to put communication dishes on existing tower on Mt. Sunapee.
Mr. Vannatta reviewed the case to date indicating the applicant requested a waiver of a site plan review under RSA 647:30 at the Board’s September 20, 2011 meeting. The request included permission to submit an update to the original site plan that was approved on April 20, 1999. He noted the original site plan contained no conditions. Mr. Vannatta said ample information has been submitted by the applicant to satisfy an update to the original site plan.
Mr. Weiler made a motion to waive the site plan review and accept the submitted documentation as an update to the original site plan approved on April 20, 1999. Mr. Williams seconded the motion.
Mr. Vannatta called for a Roll Call vote.
In Favor: Mr. Williams, Mr. Weiler, Mr. Healey, Ms. Kinsman, Mr. Dezotell, Mr. Vannatta
Opposed: None
The applicant requested that the Board send an expedited letter of approval to Paul LaCasse, Code Enforcement Officer. Mr. Vannatta said he would comply and will call Paul LaCasse to follow up.
There was discussion about the ordinance regulating personal wireless service, also known as cell towers. Discussion included the difference between adding on to an existing cell tower versus building a new one.
Ms. Ruppel said if there are additional facilities placed on an existing tower the building permit is reviewed to ensure the addition meets all the requirements.
There was general discussion about regulations covering electric transmission towers.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
Submitted Letter Withdrawn
Mr. Vannatta said a letter submitted by Steve and Sue Russell on September 20, 2011 concerning the proposed Newbury Elderly Housing project has been withdrawn by the Russells.
Wetland Scientist
Mr. Vannatta said a wetland scientist has been contacted as recommended by the Newbury Conservation Commission at the September 20, 2011 meeting regarding the CAP/Newbury Elderly Housing application. He said a letter of agreement has been drafted with Dr. Rick Van de Poll, Ecosystem Management Consultants, LLC. Dr. Van de Poll has conducted a site walk and has met with the HUD wetland scientist. The Board reviewed the letter of agreement with Dr. Van de Poll and authorized Mr. Vannatta to proceed. The estimated cost of services is under $2,000 and will be paid for by the applicant. Dr. Van de Poll will present his written report at the Board’s October 18, 2011 meeting.
There was discussion concerning the meaning of the term “critical wildlife habitat” as it pertains to the wetlands and whether it is necessary to consider it when conducting an assessment of wetland impact study. Mr. Weiler said the habitat is critical because it is the lifeblood for the wildlife population. He noted that the state wildlife survey conducted by NH Fish and Game indicated a significant wildlife habitat along the eastern flank of Mt. Sunapee which resulted in the 800 acre parcel in the southwest part of Newbury being put into easement by the Conservation Commission.
Minutes
The Board reviewed the minutes of September 6, 2011 and made corrections. Mr. Weiler made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Mr. Williams seconded the motion. All in favor.
Subdivision/Site Plan Regulation Amendments
Ms. Ruppel reviewed proposed amendment language regarding subdivision regulations, particularly the requirement of submitting sign off sheets prior to a hearing date. She noted that Town counsel has advised that if a sign off sheet is missing from the submitted application for final review, the application cannot be considered incomplete.
Discussion followed. Mr. Weiler stated that if sign off sheets are not submitted as required, it becomes a condition precedent. Significant discussion followed.
There was discussion about adding an extension to the time limit requirement for conditions. Ms. Ruppel agreed to present suggested language regarding same at the November 1, 2011 meeting.
Ms. Ruppel reviewed proposed amendment language regarding site plan review regulations.
Mr. Vannatta discussed revising the application fee schedule to reflect actual costs involved after an application is submitted. Under discussion was the cost of hearings and the cost involved in preparing abutter notification letters. He noted the last time application fees were adjusted was in 2004 and added that the Board is not breaking even in this area at this time. He said the research is ongoing to determine an average cost for abutter letter preparation and the costs involved in hearings. Mr. Vannatta said he will present a draft of costs for review at the November 1, 2011 meeting.
Capital Improvements Program (CIP) 2012-2017
Mr. Vannatta asked the Board to review the draft CIP 2012-2017 report. He said the CIP Committee will present the draft report at the October 18, 2011 meeting.
Continued Hearing Dates
Mr. Vannatta suggested adding additional hearing dates due to the influx of applications. He suggested using the work session meetings to accommodate the additional hearings. He also suggested meeting every two weeks to accommodate large complex applications as long as all the needed information is submitted in a timely way. Discussion followed.
Ms. Ruppel suggested limiting the length of hearings. Mr. Weiler concurred. He added that simple applications be scheduled for the work session dates as long as the work session agenda items are completed first. The Board agreed.
Mr. Vannatta scheduled two applications for the November 1, 2011 meeting: Case 2011-015 Final Review Lot Line Adjustment and Case 2011-016 Final Site Plan Review.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
The Board signed the mylar for Peter Moore’s major subdivision, Case 2011-008, Map/Lot 034-092-064.
Mr. Vannatta reminded the Board of the registration procedures for the UVLSRPC workshop on October 29, 2011.
Mr. Dezotell made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Williams seconded the motion. All in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 8:34 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Meg Whittemore
Recording Secretary
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