NEWTON PLANNING BOARD
PUBLIC HEARING
MARCH 27, 2007
1. Call to Order / Attendance
Chairman Pettit called the meeting to order at 7:18 PM. The following members were present: Kim Pettit, Chairman; Bob Donovan, BOS ex-officio; Rich LeClaire; Jim Doggett; Frank Gibbs.
Pettit introduced board members.
2. Rosewood Builders LLC (2007.001) Public hearing to consider the request of Rosewood Builders LLC for a lot line adjustment (4 lots) & 6-lot subdivision at George’s Way, Newton, NH, Block 3, Lots 14, 14-20, 14-21, 14-22.
Gibbs recused himself. Charles Zilch of S.E. Cummings & Associates Inc. Surveyors & Engineers spoke on behalf of Leo LaRochelle. Zilch presented plans for lot line adjustment and re-subdivision on George’s Way for Rosewood Builders, LLC. Zilch proposed moving 3 lot lines and subdividing the area into 6 lots. Zilch explained that the lot line adjustments are necessary to accommodate proposed lot 14-25 and the existing conservation easement. He stated that the conservation area cannot be built upon but can be used for land area calculation for the subdivision. Zilch further stated that all comments made by Altus Engineering have been addressed by the new plans.
LeClaire asked why the driveway for one lot was crossing another lot since this practice will not be allowed with the new regulations. Zilch explained that the driveway could not cross the conservation area and that SEC was asked by the Board to respect the original plans. No other comments from the board. No abutters were present.
Pettit moved to accept the application as complete; second by LeClaire. Motion passed 4-1 with Gibbs abstaining.
Pettit moved to grant final approval for the project; second by LeClaire. Motion passed 4-1 with Gibbs abstaining. Pettit will check if there are any outstanding fees due before signing mylar.
Road Bond reduction request, George’s Way Phases 1 and 2 – Leo LaRochelle
Leo LaRochelle requested that the Road Bond for George’s Way Phases 1 and 2 be released and the Road Bond for Phase 3 be released holding back 10%.
LeClaire asked if the telephone pole presents a hazard. Gibbs said no, since the road was moved to accommodate the pole.
Pettit moved to release the Phase 3 Road Bond down to 10% and schedule the reduction of the Phase 1 and 2 bonds for April 10th; second by LeClaire. Motion passed unanimously.
3. Sara Realty/Whispering Pines (JA 11/14/06): Continuation of public hearing for a major non-residential site plan review for the expansion by thirty-eight additional camp sites of an existing campground on property owned by Sara Realty LLC and located at 8 Wenmarks Road, Map 5/Block 1/Lot 5.
Mr. Pica presented updated plans in 50 scale as recommended by Eric Weinreib of Altus Engineering. Plans were revised to address the comments of NHDES in regards to drainage issues. Mr. Pica also presented copies of the complete record of the project for the board to review. He stated that the board should review the complete record before making a decision as to whether the expansion is a natural expansion or not. Mr. Pica said the campground now consists of 79 campsites and one single family home. Six additional campsites have been constructed but have not been approved. He proposed an expansion of 32 additional sites for a total of 38 new campsites. Mr. Pica state that the new sites are 500 feet from the nearest residence. He created a trip generation report from data he collected and also supplied a report created by Laurie
Rauseo, Traffic Engineer.
Reuben Hull, RPC, Circuit Rider Planner arrived at 8:15 PM. He presented a letter outlining the 4 criteria that must be met in order for the project to be considered a natural expansion. The letter as presented to the board is appended to these minutes. Hull stated that the project does not meet condition “a” “Does the proposed change arise naturally (through evolution, such as new and better technology) out of the “grandfathered” use?”
Hull recommended that the board review the complete record and new information provided by Mr. Pica to determine if conditions “c” and “d” as outlined in his letter are met before making a decision regarding natural expansion. Doggett moved to continue this hearing to Tuesday, April 10th, 2007; second by LeClaire. Motion passed unanimously.
Abutter Bob Johnson mentioned that a letter was sent to the Board by Rob Peterson, but declined to comment further. Mr. Pica requested copies of the abutter letter and Hull’s letter.
4. CPFG Restoration Bond reduction request – Galloway Trucking/CPFG
John Galloway requested the release of the restoration bond on the Country Pond Fish & Game Club excavation project. The project has been concluded and restoration is complete. Photos of the site were provided and reviewed by the board.
Doggett moved to release the bond; second by LeClaire. Motion passed unanimously.
5. Master Plan Update
A copy of the Vision Chapter for the Newton Master Plan was provided to each board member. Pettit said the Board must review the document then schedule a public hearing on the chapter and vote on whether to adopt the chapter.
6. Engineering Proposals (RFP)
Finnigan presented a rating tool she developed to rate the 12 RFP’s the Board received from engineering firms. She recommended calling the four highest scorers to interview. Doggett suggested contacting the top 3 scorers and interviewing them on different dates. Pettit suggested continuing to April with the full board and alternates sworn in. Hull recommended contacting the four highest scorers to interview and notifying the remaining firms that they were not short listed. Finnegan suggested retaining a second or “back-up” firm.
Doggett motioned to interview the four highest scorers between 7 and 9 PM on April 24th; second by Pettit. Motion passed unanimously. Pettit said she would draft letters to the engineering firms.
7. Other Board Business
Operating budget and NPREA expense manifests
Copies of the manifests as they were presented to the Board are appended to these minutes. Operating budget and NPREA manifests were approved as presented on a motion by Doggett and second by LeClaire. Motion passed 4-1 with Gibbs abstaining.
Acceptance of minutes from 2/27/02, 1/23/07, 1/8/07, 12/26/06, 12/12/06
Pettit moved to amend minutes from 2/27/07 under item 4 to read “There were 12 RFP’s” and to accept all minutes. Second by LeClaire. Motion passed 3-2 with Donovan and Gibbs abstaining.
Organization of Board for 2007-08
Doggett moved to elect Pettit as Chairman; second by LeClaire. Motion passed unanimously.
LeClaire moved to elect Ann Miles as Vice Chairman; second by Doggett. Motion passed unanimously.
Pettit moved to appoint Gary Nelson as 3-year alternate; second by Doggett. Motion passed unanimously.
Pettit moved to appoint Mary Allen as 3-year alternate; second by LeClaire. Motion passed 4-1 with Doggett abstaining.
Pettit moved to appoint Deborah Finnigan as 2-year alternate; second by Doggett. Motion passed unanimously.
Doggett moved to appoint Kip Kaiser as 2-year alternate; second by LeClaire. Motion passed unanimously.
Home Businesses
LeClaire asked what was being done regarding compliance notices to home businesses discussed at February 27 meeting. Donovan explained that a form letter was sent to home-based business owners requesting information.
8. Adjourn
Doggett moved to adjourn at 9:12 PM; second by Pettit. Motion passed unanimously.
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