Planning Board
April 17, 2012
Approved May 15, 2012
Members Present: Tom Vannatta, Chair; Bill Weiler, Bruce Healey, Travis Dezotell, Russell Smith, Members; Deane Geddes, Alternate; Rachel Ruppel, Advisor.
Mr. Vannatta called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
Minutes
The Board reviewed the minutes of March 20, 2012 and made corrections. Mr. Weiler made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Mr. Healey seconded the motion. All in favor.
There was significant discussion regarding CAP/HUD’s request for a ninety (90) day extension for two Conditions Precedent for the site plan review application approval granted by the Board on December 20, 2011 for the following property: Newbury Tax Map 020-072-043 & 020-223-195. The conditions were as follows:
- That the applicant secures all required permits, including but not limited to Alteration of Terrain and Wetlands, from the State of New Hampshire, within ninety (90) days of this approval.
- Requirement that the Town of Newbury’s legal counsel and the HUD legal counsel form an agreement regarding security to be posted for the development of the site in accordance with the Board’s approval within ninety (90) days of this approval.
Ms. Ruppel noted that the letter to the applicant verifying the above included an extension expiration date of June 19, 2012. Also, there was a request that the applicant forward to the Planning Board any documentation or confirmation of completion as it occurs.
Sign-Off Sheets
Mr. Vannatta noted that sign-off sheets from the Conservation Commission and the Fire Chief were still missing from the approved site plan application from DRED/Agent: Mount Sunapee Resort, Map/Lot # 13-386-092-000A (Case # 2012-001). He requested that the sign-off sheets be included even though the application was approved by the Board on March 20, 2012. There was Board consensus to do so.
Election of Chair/Vice-chair
Mr. Vannatta turned the meeting over to the Recording Secretary. The Recording Secretary called for a motion to nominate the Planning Board Chair for the upcoming year.
Mr. Vannatta made a motion to nominate Mr. Healey as Board chair for the upcoming year. Mr. Dezotell seconded the motion.
The Recording Secretary asked if there were any other nominations for Board chair.
Mr. Vannatta made a motion to close the nominations for Board chair for the upcoming year. Mr. Dezotell seconded the motion. All in favor.
The Recording Secretary called for a Roll Call vote on the nomination for board chair.
In Favor: Mr. Weiler, Mr. Geddes, Mr. Dezotell, Mr. Healey, Mr. Smith, Mr. Vannatta
Opposed: None.
The Recording Secretary called for a motion to nominate the Board vice-chair for the upcoming year.
Mr. Healey made a motion to nominate Mr. Vannatta as Board vice-chair for the upcoming year. Mr. Smith seconded the motion.
The Recording Secretary asked if there were any other nominations for Board vice-chair.
Mr. Healey made a motion to close the nominations for Board vice-chair for the upcoming year. Mr. Smith seconded the motion. All in favor.
The Recording Secretary called for a Roll Call vote on the nomination for Board vice-chair.
In Favor: Mr. Weiler, Mr. Geddes, Mr. Dezotell, Mr. Healey, Mr. Smith, Mr. Vannatta
Opposed: None.
The Recording Secretary turned the meeting over to Mr. Healey, the newly elected chair.
The board congratulated Mr. Healey on his election to board chair. Mr. Healey said the first order of business was to thank Mr. Vannatta for years of exemplary service to the Board and the Town of Newbury. The Board agreed and gave Mr. Vannatta a round of applause. Mr. Vannatta thanked the Board and added that the Planning Board is comprised of a very good team of dedicated individuals.
2012 Workplan Review
Ms. Ruppel reviewed the 2012 General Annual Workplan for the Newbury Planning Board and Planning Board Advisor. Discussion followed.
Under discussion were definitions of steep slopes and provisions for security for improvements per the subdivision regulations. Additional discussion centered on proactive planning for the future, cost analysis for PB fees, the written public comment policy for submission, and policy for departmental sign-off sheets. There was additional discussion regarding implementation of the Master Plan and review and adoption of the Capital Improvements Program (CIP).
The Board discussed clarifying the language used regarding waivers and whether to devote a work session meeting to examining and discussing the proposed workplan.
There was significant discussion regarding the definition of steep slopes, how to determine a steep slope, and the current definition of same in the town regulations.
Mr. Healey suggested that the May 1, 2012 work session cover discussion regarding steep slopes, the requirements for security for improvements, procedure for submission of written public comment, and the policy for receiving departmental review sign-off sheets.
Mr. Dezotell recommended that department heads should be given their section of the Master Plan for review prior to the meeting for discussion of same. He added that would create a team approach to the Master Plan review process. Mr. Vannatta suggested forming a two-person standing committee to look into the process. There was general discussion regarding the Master Plan and the review process by the Planning Board.
There was discussion concerning the requirements for acceptable written comments for submission to the Board. Concerns included accepting written comments from the public that had no verification for authenticity.
Ms. Ruppel discussed a Community Grant Program opportunity pertaining to affordable housing as a point of possible interest for the Board to consider submitting an application. Discussion followed.
Mr. Dezotell recommended that future work session meetings be limited to two hours. The Board agreed. There was further general discussion regarding the subdivision regulations and the CIP.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
Mr. Vannatta informed the Board that Christine Walker, executive director of the Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission (UVLSRPC) will be presenting to a joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Conservation Commission on May 21, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. The presentation will cover the Master Plan and regional issues of concern that may affect all land use boards in Newbury. Mr. Vannatta said Ms Walker’s goal is to have a regional dialog regarding overall land use development in the future including the types of future projects and funding options for same.
Mr. Dezotell made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Vannatta seconded the motion. All in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Meg Whittemore
Recording Secretary
| 
