Planning Board
December 16, 2014
Members Present: Bruce Healey, Chair; Tom Vannatta, Vice-Chair; Bill Weiler, Russell Smith, Members; Deane Geddes, Bob Caia, Alternates.
Mr. Healey called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
Mr. Healey appointed Mr. Geddes and Mr. Caia as voting members for this meeting.
CASE: Case 2014-014: Conceptual Site Plan Review - Salt hill Pub - Joe Tuohy
SPR 3.4 - Change in Ownership or Tenancy
Joe Tuohy met with the Board and described his business as expanding – and returning – to the site on Route 103 that used to be known as The Shanty. He said Salt hill Pub is a family-owned business with three successful locations in Lebanon, Newport and Hanover and owned by the Tuohy brothers, Joe, Joshua and Matthew. The business is called Galway Six LLC.
Mr. Tuohy said he and his brothers are spending the necessary time to ensure all elements of the building structure and service requirements are in place before officially opening. He described the menu as being similar to that offered at the other locations but with enough variety to make each dining experience different.
Mr. Weiler asked about the menu offerings planned for the Newbury location. Mr. Tuohy said it will be American-Irish comfort food with the intent of attracting the locals as repeat customers. He said the restaurant will be positioned as being part of the community.
Mr. Caia said it will be good to have a stable business entity at that location.
Mr. Vannatta asked how Mr. Tuohy plans to make the business a year-round success in the face of a seasonal customer base. Mr. Tuohy said all the other Salt hill Pubs have faced similar customer fluctuations but have succeeded in building and keeping a steady local trade because of the consistency of quality food, friendly ambiance, and community involvement.
There was general discussion about other uses for the property, the history of Tuohy ownership, and whether a site plan review was needed.
Mr. Weiler said a site plan review was not needed because there isn’t a change in use. The Board agreed.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
Minutes
The Board reviewed the minutes of November 18, 2014 and made no corrections. Mr. Smith made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Mr. Vannatta seconded the motion. All in favor.
Master Plan Update RFP
Mr. Healey reviewed the draft of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a professional writer/preparer for the update to the Newbury Master Plan. He reviewed suggestions submitted by Mike McCrory, advisor, and described the research and writing process employed in this draft.
There was discussion regarding the appropriate year to put on the Master Plan. The Board agreed that it will be 2017.
There was significant discussion about the items that should be included in the RFP, specifically the items referring to the content of the Master Plan. Mr. Healey said the Board’s suggestions will be incorporated into a second draft and distributed for Board review at the work session meeting on January 6, 2015.
Board members thanked Mr. Healey for his diligence in preparing the draft RFP and acknowledged the immense amount of time he devoted to its thoroughness and accuracy.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
General Items
- Mr. Healey informed the Board that LSPA clarified a zoning regulation regarding the standard measurement for the high water mark adjacent to water bodies. Based on standards set by the NH DES, the correct high water mark is 1,093.15 feet above sea level, not 1,094.14 feet as is currently included in the Newbury Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Healey noted that the correction will be made and presented as a warrant article for Town Meeting 2016.
- Mr. Healey informed the Board that a building application has been submitted for a Bed and Breakfast at the former site of the Cowboy and the Contessa, 2 West Province Road, Newbury. He said there was an application made for a B&B in 2005. Also, the current application will be building on the same footprint. Mr. Healey concluded that the applicant does not need to appear before the Board. The Board agreed.
- There was discussion regarding how to encourage new business tenants to contact the Board when there is a change in tenancy.
New Code Enforcement Officer (CEO)
Mr. Healy informed the Board that John Greenwood has joined the Town of Newbury as its new CEO and will be available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
New Sign Permit Application
The Board reviewed the new sign permit application and made suggestions to place the Planning Board masthead on top of the application to ensure consistency with other PB applications. Also, the board suggested placing the application approval date on the bottom of the form.
Mr. Healey called for a Motion to Vote.
Mr. Weiler made a motion to accept the revised Sign Permit with the addition of the PB masthead at the top of the application and the approval date at the bottom of the application. Mr. Vannatta seconded the motion. Mr. Healey called for a Roll Call vote.
In Favor: Mr. Geddes, Mr. Smith, Mr. Weiler, Mr. Vannatta, Mr. Caia, Mr. Healey
Opposed: None
Mylar Signing
The Board signed the mylar for a minor subdivision from Paul Skarin, for property located at 148 Southgate Road, Newbury, NH, Tax Map 044-106-131.
Mr. Smith made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Vannatta seconded the motion. All in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 9:26 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Meg Whittemore
Recording Secretary
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