PLANNING BOARD
MARCH 25, 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; Vice-Chairman: Seth Wilkinson; Clerk: Paul O'Connor; Sims McGrath; Associates: Gary Guzzeau; John Ostman. Planning Department Staff: John Jannell; Secretary: Karen Sharpless. Absent: Kenneth McKusick; Selectmen Liaison: Jon Fuller.
Chairman John Fallender requested that John Ostman and Gary Guzzeau to vote as regular members in the absence of Seth Wilkinson and Ken McKusick.
REVIEW OF PROPOSED HOME RULE CHARTER AMENDMENT, CHAPTER 9
Jannell presented a warrant article with a list of charter changes entitled, “Planning and the Environment” proposed by the Charter Review Committee to be forwarded on to the Annual Town Meeting in May 2008 for a vote of the residents. The Planning Board discussed the proposed changes and agreed that Planning Board input has been incorporated into the changes and agreed to support the charter changes.
MOTION: On a motion by Paul O'Connor, seconded by Sims McGrath, the Planning Board voted to approve the list of charter changes entitled, “Planning and the Environment” proposed by the Charter Review Committee which will be forwarded for a vote at the Annual Town Meeting in May 2008 .
VOTE: 5-0-0 The motion passed unanimously.
Seth Wilkinson arrived at the meeting and Gary Guzzeau was requested to continue to vote as a regular member for the rest of the meeting in the absence of Kenneth McKusick.
REVIEW OF PLANNING BOARD FEES
Jannell presented a chart of current Planning Board fees for Orleans (updated in 2006) and surrounding towns which the Board discussed and requested Jannell do further research into the staff time needed for various submissions and bring it forward for discussion at a future Planning Board meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
License Plate Grant
Jannell explained that instead of waiting for funding through the town’s Capital Improvement Plan, the Planning Department would like to submit an application for the License Plate Grant (in the amount of $25,000) for a Village Center Market Study. Jannell stated that the award announcement would be made in September 2008. Jannell noted that there have been new zoning changes in the Village Center District, and future wastewater issues to consider. Jannell noted that some of the inventory work can be done in-house. The Planning Board agreed that it would be prudent to obtain letters of support from the Chamber of Commerce and the Orleans Improvement Association.
Orleans Improvement Association
A report was made that John Fallender and George Meservey will be giving a talk to the Orleans Improvement Association on Thursday, April 24, 2008 on the future of the Orleans Village Center.
Status of Soil Erosion & Sediment Control Bylaw
Jannell stated the Soil Erosion & Sediment Control Bylaw will be presented at the upcoming town meeting.
Formula Business Bylaw
The Planning Board discussed an upcoming proposal by the Town of Chatham regarding the regulation of formula businesses and noted the need to see how other towns handle the issue.
NEW BUSINESS
Cape Cod Water Protection Collaborative, Smart Growth Project
The Planning Board discussed a memorandum to the Cape Cod Water Protection Collaborative dated February 13, 2008 for a county funded study entitled, “Smart Growth Project Progress Report” from Sue Rask (Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment) and Carole Ridley (Ridley & Associates, Inc.) regarding the growth implications of sewering. The Planning Board members agreed that this was a very informative memorandum and McGrath noted that vital information will be forthcoming from the Wastewater Management Steering Committee which may result in changes to the zoning regulations.
CORRESPONDENCE
Cape Cod Commission Acceptance of Brewster District of Critical Planning Concern (DCPC)
The Planning Board discussed the acceptance by the Cape Cod Commission on March 20, 2008 of the Brewster District of Critical Planning Concern designation for areas of Brewster which affect the Orleans water zone which includes three wells. Jannell stated that a District of Critical Planning Concern is a twelve month building freeze (with one possible three month extension) which limits certain types of building projects. Jannell stated that this allows a town on opportunity to address planning issues and corrects gaps in the codes. Jannell said that Brewster’s intent is to protect the groundwater recharge system.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: March 11, 2008
MOTION: On a motion by Seth Wilkinson, seconded by Paul O'Connor, the Board voted to approve the minutes of March 11, 2008.
VOTE: 4-0-1 The motion passed by a majority. (John Fallender abstained).
ADJOURNMENT
The Planning Board meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m.
SIGNED: ______________________________ DATE: _______________________
(Paul O'Connor, Clerk)
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