NEWTON PLANNING BOARD
MINUTES OF WORK SESSION
NOVEMBER 24, 2015
1. Call to Order: Chairman Roger Hamel called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. In attendance were: Chairman Roger Hamel; Vice Chairman Jim Doggett; Planning Board member Sandra Estabrook; Alternate Mary Allen; and Circuit Rider Planner Jennifer Rowden. Minutes were transcribed by Administrative Assistant Rick Milner.
R. Hamel appointed M. Allen to stand in for R. Miller.
2. Michael Price of Newton, NH request for a voluntary lot merger of properties located at 94 and 96 North Main Street. The properties are referenced as Tax Map 9 Block 1, Lot 10 and Tax Map 9, Block 1, Lot 15.
Jennifer Castro was present to represent the applicant.
R. Milner presented the voluntary lot merger form and relevant information to the Board.
J. Doggett moved that the Planning Board approve the voluntary lot merger of properties located at 94 and 96 North Main Street upon the condition that tax payments for the properties are confirmed by the Tax Collector. Second by M. Allen. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Todd Fitzgerald of Newton, NH request to review performance guarantee requirements for construction of Zena Lane subdivision and roadway.
Mr. Fitzgerald addressed the Board. Mr. Fitzgerald presented a restoration guarantee estimate to the Board in the amount of $10,250.00 in order to begin the process for roadway construction. He stated that he intends to cut into the hill on the property to establish the proper grades for the future roadway construction. The roadway surface will be prepared to gravel stage between now and next spring. The detention basins for drainage have been completed.
R. Hamel stated that, if the Board approves the establishment of a restoration guarantee and not a full performance guarantee, then building permits will not be allowed until a performance guarantee is approved by the Board.
J. Doggett suggested that the Planning Board require the Town Engineer to review the site and the restoration guarantee proposal and provide the Planning Board with a recommendation for the amount of the restoration guarantee and the amount of construction to be allowed under the conditions of the restoration guarantee.
The Board came to a unanimous consensus without objection to authorize the Town Engineer to review the restoration guarantee estimate and the proposed site work.
4. Todd Fitzgerald of Newton, NH request for preliminary conceptual consultation regarding commercial development on property located at Tax Map 13, Block 2, Lot 15.
Mr. Fitzgerald addressed the Board. Mr. Fitzgerald presented a NH Department of Transportation (NHDOT) driveway access permit off of NH Route 108 for the property. Mr. Fitzgerald stated his intention to cut in an access way with rip rap and gravel base per the plan approved for the driveway by the NHDOT. The access way would be approximately 30 to 50 feet in length and take about one day to complete. There will be no other activity on the site.
J. Doggett suggested that the Town Engineer review the proposed work and the possible need for a restoration guarantee.
J. Rowden stated that most towns do not require bonding for an access cut as proposed by the plans connected to this NHDOT permit.
J. Doggett moved that the Planning Board authorize the Town Engineer to review the proposed work for the access driveway for property located on Lot 13-2-15 and, if necessary, make a recommendation for a restoration guarantee. Second by S. Estabrook. Motion carried unanimously.
5. Other Board business.
a. Acceptance of minutes.
J. Doggett moved to accept the minutes of the November 10 meeting. Second by M. Allen. Motion carried unanimously.
b. Manifests.
R. Hamel presented an operating budget manifest to the Board. The invoices reflected payment of phone bill, travel expenses, and capital improvements program contract.
J. Doggett moved to pay the operating budget manifest in the amount of $4,344.11. Second by M. Allen. Motion carried unanimously.
c. Correspondence.
R. Milner presented the Town Engineer’s review memo regarding business site connected to NH Division of Motor Vehicles (NHDMV) inspection station permit at 2 Puzzle Lane.
J. Doggett moved that the Planning Board authorize the Chairman to sign document approving the inspection station license application for the business at 2 Puzzle Lane. Second by M. Allen. Motion carried unanimously.
J. Doggett noted that the expansion of the site use at 3 Puzzle Lane, which also is seeking NHDMV approvals, is concerning due to the possible negative effects on wetlands and the aquifer recharge area.
J. Rowden stated that some sort of amended site plan for the 3 Puzzle Lane location is needed.
R. Hamel informed the Board that the Planning Board office received a proposed amendment to the zoning ordinances from the Code Enforcement and Building Departments adding a new section to the zoning ordinances regarding rental housing. He stated that there is not enough time currently to review such a comprehensive proposal and receive adequate public input prior to the deadlines for inclusion on the 2016 Town Warrant. The proposal can be adequately reviewed by the Board and the public in 2016 and be placed on the 2017 Town Warrant.
S. Estabrook suggested that the concept of rental housing should be addressed during the process for revising the Master Plan.
J. Doggett and M. Allen reported information presented at the RPC Legislative Forum to the Board.
6. Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Rick Milner
Administrative Assistant
Newton Planning Board
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