PLANNING BOARD
MAY 27, 2008 - Minutes
A meeting of the Orleans Planning Board was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Nauset Meeting Room at the Orleans Town Hall. PRESENT: Chairman: John Fallender; Clerk: Paul O'Connor; Kenneth McKusick; Sims McGrath; Associates: Gary Guzzeau; John Ostman. Planning Department Staff: George Meservey; and Secretary: Karen Sharpless. ALSO PRESENT: Board of Selectmen Liaison: Jon Fuller.
ABSENT: Vice-Chairman: Seth Wilkinson.
In the absence of the Vice Chairman, Seth Wilkinson, the Chairman requested that John Ostman vote as a regular member during this meeting.
TOWN MEETING FOLLOW-UP
Regulation of Homes With 4,000 + S.F. Building Coverage
The Planning Board discussed a letter to the Architectural Review Committee and Zoning Board of Appeals, dated May 20, 2008, requesting feedback from those committees on a proposed bylaw regarding homes in excess of 4,000 sf.
MOTION: On a motion by Paul O'Connor, seconded by Sims McGrath, the Planning Board voted to send a letter to the Architectural Review Committee and the Zoning Board of Appeals soliciting their input on review of large residential homes.
VOTE: 5-0-0 The motion passed unanimously.
Attorney General Submission
Meservey informed the Planning Board that the zoning articles voted on at the May 2008 Annual Town Meeting have been forwarded to the Town Clerk for submittal to the Attorney general’s Office for review and approval. Meservey reminded the Planning Board that the Attorney General has to approve all zoning changes before they go into effect.
FUTURE ZONING ISSUES
Off-Site Signs
The Planning Board discussed the possible need for off-premise signs in various parts of town where it may be difficult to find businesses. Meservey stated there is no current zoning mechanism to grant a request for off-premise signs for businesses such as off the newly constructed Lots Hollow Road and O’Connor Road. The Planning Board discussed problems with people exiting from Skaket Beach Motel and taking a left onto Route 6A.
Formula Business Regulations
The Planning Board discussed whether the town needs to further review proposed Formula Business Regulations regarding restaurants and/or retail establishments. Meservey noted the need to consider the retail needs of residents, particularly with the high cost of gasoline which may cause them to want to do business locally. The Planning Board agreed to have the Planning Department check with other towns and solicit input on how they have dealt with this issue.
Expanded Business Opportunities in Rural Business Districts
The Planning Board agreed to research the possible need for the expansion of business opportunities and size in the Rural Business District. McGrath noted that the original intent of the creation of the Rural Business District was to encourage small businesses but McGrath noted the need to limit over-commercialization of the residential uses in the area. Fallender noted the need to validate the current 1,500 square foot limitation on businesses in the Rural Business District to see if it still is still logical and meets the needs of the residents. McGrath stated that
“Zoning is about the character of the neighborhood” and noted the need to proceed cautiously to protect neighborhood character.
Architectural Review Committee Liaison
Guzzeau questioned the possibility of having a Planning Board liaison on the Architectural Review Committee and the Planning Board agreed that it is important to keep communications open with all boards and committees, but did not see a need for a Planning Board liaison to attend all of the Architectural Review Committee meetings.
Zoning Review
McKusick questioned whether a review of current zoning should be done for businesses along Route 6A. It was noted that the Old King's Highway Regional Historical District Commission only covers the areas north of Route 6A and therefore covers very little of Route 6A business district.
OLD BUSINESS
Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan – Summer workshops
Meservey informed the Planning Board of a series of wastewater workshops which will be held by the Wastewater Management Steering Committee during the summer of 2008 regarding the wastewater planning process. Meservey noted that the options have been narrowed down to three possibly plans with various pricing options. McGrath encouraged Planning Board members to attend the July 8, 2008 meeting in order to gain perspective on the effects of sewering in the Village Center District and to formulate ideas regarding the possible affects on the Planning Board’s future Formula Business discussions. Meservey stated that sewering discussion will affect how the Town of Orleans could grow in the future.
NEW BUSINESS
COMMITTEE RE-APPOINTMENTS
Planning Board
Fallender stated that the Planning Board terms for John Ostman and Paul O'Connor will expire on June 30, 2008 and they have both expressed an interest in continuing to serve as Planning Board members. The Planning Board appointments will be reviewed by the Board of Selectmen in June 2008.
Zoning Bylaw Task Force
John Fallender agreed to continue as a Planning Board representative to the Zoning Bylaw Task Force for Fiscal Year 2009.
MOTION: On a motion by Kenneth McKusick, seconded by Sims McGrath, the Planning Board voted that John Fallender continue as a Planning Board representative to the Zoning Bylaw Task Force.
VOTE: 5-0-0 The motion passed unanimously.
Wastewater Management Steering Committee
Sims McGrath agreed to continue as the Planning Board representative to the Wastewater Management Steering Committee for Fiscal Year 2009.
MOTION: On a motion by Kenneth McKusick, seconded by Paul O'Connor, the Planning Board voted that Sims McGrath continue to be the Planning Board representative to the Wastewater Management Steering Committee.
VOTE: 5-0-0 The motion passed unanimously.
Community Preservation Committee
John Ostman agreed to continue as the Planning Board representative to the Community Preservation Committee for Fiscal Year 2009.
MOTION: On a motion by Sims McGrath, seconded by Kenneth McKusick, the Planning Board voted that John Ostman continue to be the Planning Board representative to the Community Preservation Committee.
VOTE: 5-0-0 The motion passed unanimously.
PLANNING BOARD SUMMER SCHEDULE
The Planning Board discussed the summer meeting schedule to a reduced summer schedule with one meeting (the 4th Tuesday) in each of the months of July and August, and to cancel the July 8, 2008 and August 12, 2008 meetings unless important regulatory issues arise that must be dealt with immediately.
MOTION: On a motion by Sims McGrath, seconded by John Ostman, the Planning Board voted to cancel the regularly scheduled Planning Board meetings on July 8, 2008 and August 12, 2008.
VOTE: 5-0-0 The motion passed unanimously.
CORRESPONDENCE
LIST OF SUMMER TRAFFIC COUNT LOCATIONS
The Planning Board discussed a memorandum from the Cape Cod Commission regarding 2008 proposed summer traffic count locations and made some suggestions for additional dates and locations to be forwarded by the Planning Department to the Cape Cod Commission.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: On a motion by Kenneth McKusick, seconded by Paul O'Connor, the Board voted to approve the minutes of April 22, 2008.
VOTE: 5-0-0 The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: On a motion by Sims McGrath, seconded by Paul O'Connor the Planning Board voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
VOTE: 5-0-0 The motion passed unanimously.
SIGNED: ______________________________ DATE: _______________________
(Paul O'Connor, Clerk)
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