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PB Minutes 3/21/12



PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
March 21, 2012

Call to Order:  6:34 P.M.

Item One:

ROLL CALL:  Present was Chairman; Tim Moore, Vice Chairman; Steve Ranlett, Charles Lanza and Selectman Ex- Officio; Robert Gray.  Gennifer Silva was to arrive later.

Also present was Town Planner; Leigh Komornick, Chief Building Official; Mike Dorman and Recording Secretary; Laurie Pagnottaro.

Item Two:

Reorganization/Election of Officers

This item was postponed until later in the meeting when all Board members would be present.

Item Three:

Minutes of February 01, 2012  

 R. Gray motioned to approve the minutes of February 01, 2012, second by S. Ranlett

There was no discussion on the motion and the vote was 4-0-0; U/A.

Item Four:

Minor Site Plan Application for the Sale of Storage Sheds at 119 Plaistow Road (Site of the Old Dano’s Pizza) by Dan Post.

Present for the application was Dan Post.  He explained the following to the Board:

  • This is the old Dano’s Pizza site.
  • Their business is based in Danville NH.
  • They propose to sell storage sheds and other related items like gazebos.
  • It will be a simple display area; behind the Edelstein property.
  • Small parking lot in the front; low volume of customers so they will not need many parking spaces.
  • It is a seasonal business; spring time through fall.
  • Display area will have various styles of sheds displayed.
  • Display sheds are10’x12’ or 10’x16’ average size.
  • They would like to see how this goes this year and possibly come back next year and subsequent years.
T. Moore asked if the driveway is cut there.

D. Post replied that it was an existing apron that he found there off Route 125.  He assumed that would be where the Board would want him to enter and exit.

L. Komornick said that they should check with Kevin Russell from DOT; have him look and see which entrance he would like the applicant to use.

D. Post said he would be happy to check with DOT.  

There was more discussion on other options to enter and exit the site.  It was decided that D. Post will speak with DOT about the issue.

S. Ranlett asked if he would have an employee on the site.

D. Post answered yes.  He added that the hours would be midday until 7:00 or 8:00pm and maybe start a little earlier on the weekend.

C. Lanza asked M. Dorman what they require for facilities in this situation.

M. Dorman replied that as long as they bring one on-site (out-house) they should be fine.  He added that they can put it behind their office.

R. Gray noted that because it is a gravel lot there should be no overnight parking on the site; no motorized vehicles/trailers.

D. Post asked about the regulations involved with having a temporary sign.

M. Dorman replied that they can speak with Dee Voss and work it out later.  He added that as it is only one sign it should not be an issue.

L. Komornick asked if he was going to put up a pole light.

D. Post answered yes, on the existing pole they propose to put a light up for security.

S. Ranlett motioned to approve the minor site plan for Post Woodworking, second by C. Lanza.

S. Ranlett asked if they needed to go through the waivers.

L. Komornick said yes, waivers for the perimeter survey, the Mylar, the Engineering Review and abutter notification.  She asked D. Post if he informed Edelstein.

D. Post said he assumed the Board would want him to wait until he knew for sure and then he would inform Mr. Edelstein.

S. Ranlett amended his motion; he motioned to waive the Perimeter Survey, Mylar, Engineering Review and abutter notification, second by R. Gray.

C. Lanza asked if they could waive the abutter notification in this scenario.

L. Komornick replied yes, this property only abuts commercial property.

There was no further discussion on the motion and the vote was 4-0-0 U/A.

S. Ranlett motioned to approve the minor site plan review, second by C. Lanza.

R. Gray asked if the Public Safety Officials have reviewed the plan.

L. Komornick said no.

R. Gray asked that the motion be conditional upon the approval of the Public Safety Officials.

S. Ranlett amended his motion to be conditional upon the approval of the Public Safety Officials

There was no further discussion on the motion and the vote was 4-0-0 U/A.

Item Five:

Minor Site Plan Application for a Special Business Event (Grand Opening) at the New Firestone Tire Store on Garden Road.

Present for the application was Dan Liberti, Assistant District Manager of Bridgestone/Firestone and Brandon Chait, Managing Partner of the Firestone Store.

D. Liberti said that they want to be a part of the community and let people know they are here and welcome them to the facility.   He explained the following proposed plan to the Board:

  • Hold an April 27th -29th grand opening.
Hire a local vendor to supply food and beverages to customers.
They will have prizes and giveaways.
  • Hold a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 27th with a Town Dignitary.
They would like to hire the Timberlane High School Band for the ribbon cutting ceremony.
They would like to give a generous donation to the Band’s program.
They would like to display a Firestone Monster Truck for the grand opening/they have blocked off a no parking area for this.  They will not drive the truck; display only.
They would like a bounce house.
Kids prizes and possibly face painting.
A tent for over the food area.
  • They would like to have pizza, calzones, etc… all cooked and delivered ready to go.
R. Gray asked if they would be blocking off the entrance to the parking area.  

D. Liberti answered that they have kept the handicap spaces open.

B. Chait added that they have blocked the Garden Road entrance.  In between Rite Aid and Firestone’s driveway there are two entrances and exits as well as a third (on the bottom of site plan) that can be used.

R. Gray asked how many parking spaces will be open.

D. Liberti replied about 16 spaces; employees will be parked off site.  He added that with ten bays that should keep 26 cars rotating out very quick.

C. Lanza asked if they have spoken to Rite Aid about parking overflow.

B. Chait explained that they may have close to 20 spaces with the parking spaces along the back.

R. Gray expressed concern with the band and the public; where will everyone park.  They discussed busing in the band or using a park and ride.

D. Liberti said they will rent a bus and bus the band in.
L. Komornick stated that she has e-mailed the Public Safety Officials the plan as well as made an announcement at the staff meeting.  She asked the officials to respond as soon as possible with any concerns.

T. Moore suggested a temporary sign at the entrance to the condos that says private property or no public parking so no one will fill up condo spaces.

R. Gray added that the Board should also write a memo to the Police Chief stating that in addition to no parking at the condo there should also be no parking on Garden Rd. or on the Main strip and that people will be towed.  He is concerned about congestion and cars not being able to get through the road.

B. Chait explained that Firestone has been having an issue with cars cutting though the site parking lot.  The Board discussed this issue.

L. Komornick noted that if they wanted to make this an annual event, such as a customer appreciation day. If they do it now on the plan they do not need to come back.

T. Moore stated that the Board will typically have the applicant try it for one year and if it works out well they can come back to change it to annual.

S. Ranlett motioned to approve contingent upon the approvals of the Public Safety Officials, second by R. Gray.

R. Gray added that he wanted it made known to the Police Chief that the Board does not want any parking on Garden Road and on the access road between Rite Aid and Firestone as well as a temporary sign up for no public parking at the condos.

M. Dorman told the applicant to see him later to discuss the signage; banners and temporary signs they want to put up.  There was some discussion on the issue of signage.

 The Board decided that they should look into the zoning for more flexibility for grand opening signage in the fall.

There was no further discussion on the motion and the vote was 4-0-0 U/A.

Gennifer Silva arrived at 7:00pm.

Item Two:

Reorganization/Election of Officers

The Board decided to continue item two as all Board members were now present.

C. Lanza nominated S. Ranlett for Chaiman of the PB, second by T. Moore.

There were no other nominations.

The vote was 5-0-0 U/A.

T. Moore nominated C. Lanza for Vice Chaiman, second by S. Ranlett.

There were no other nominations.

The vote was 5-0-0 U/A.





Item Six:

Continuation of a Public Hearing to adopt the following updated chapters of the Town of Plaistow Master Plan:

Community Facilities Chapter
Population Chapter

L. Komornick noted the following updates to the Community Facilities Chapter since the last MP discussion:

  • Added cemetery information.
  • Updated Highway Department section to include the information for the need for a new highway garage and salt shed.
  • The need to expand the Public Safety Complex Building is in the chapter.
  • Updated data for 2010 police calls was added.
The Board discussed updating all the graphs and tables with the 2011 information.  L. Komornick will update them all.

R. Gray asked about updating the CF-12 per Pupil Cost Comparison Chart.

The Board discussed and said the information was available for Timberland but might not be available through the State at this time.

R. Gray motioned to approve the Community Facilities Chapter as updated per this PB meeting, second by S. Ranlett.

There was no further discussion on the motion and the vote was 5-0-0 U/A.

The Board discussed and reviewed the Population Chapter.

T. Moore noted that the chapter has been updated with the current education data and calculations.

R. Gray asked about the Revision History Chart on the chapter wondering why they did not have a Revision Chart in the Community Facilities Chapter.  

T. Moore replied that he worked on the Population Chapter and thought it would be interesting to include why they made changes at various times.

The Board discussed the issue and whether they should have a revision table in every chapter or if they would have a whole chapter that would address updates.  It was decided that they would include a revision table in all chapters moving forward.  

L. Komornick will add a Revision Chapter to the Community Facilities chapter as well.

R. Gray asked if there were any recommendations from the Population Chapter that could be added into the new Recommendations Chapter for the MP.

T. Moore replied that they should recommend that the Population Chapter be updated on years ending in 1, 5 and 9.  That would allow time for census data to be collected as well as mid-term updates.

R. Gray stated that when they add that information into the Implementation Chapter they need to include who is responsible to carry out recommendation, what Board is responsible and then a section checking off that the work was complete and when.  He added that the chapter should also include a schedule of what is coming up this year.

The Board discussed the recommendations for the Community Facilities Chapter as follows:

  • The Public Safety Complex Building needs to be renovated or replaced
  • The Highway Garage needs more space for vehicles and inventory
The Board also discussed naming who is responsible for every recommendation made in the Implementation Chapter.  There was some disagreement by Board members over the issue of the Board having the authority to name who is responsible for each recommendation.  It was decided that they would get through a few chapters and see how it works out putting just the recommendations into the Implementation Chapter for now.  There was more discussion on this issue and the wording for all recommendations in the Community Facilities Chapter.  The Board discussed the need to update the Court House and who is responsible for the updates.

L. Komornick will add the revision chart to the Community Facilities Chapter and have a draft of the Implementation Chapter ready for the April 18th PB meeting.

C. Lanza asked about the outcome of a discussion the Board had for funding of MP updates.

T. Moore replied that they had several chapters they were working on themselves.  They were not sure how much help they needed so they decided to wait until next year and ask for money when they have a better idea of what they need.

The Board discussed the chapters they are currently working on that should be done in 2012:

  • Land use; C. Lanza
  • Recreation
  • Housing
  • Energy; S. Ranlett
  • Transportation
L. Komornick noted that they could use help with the Transportation Chapter.

T. Moore said they could look into RPC for help with updating data.

R. Gray would like to see these chapters done before they start working on the zoning changes in the fall.

The Board discussed the Energy Committee.  

R. Gray suggested e-mailing the committee members and setting up a meeting to start working on the Energy Chapter.

M. Dorman noted that it is not a formal committee yet.  

There was more discussion on the issue.

L. Komornick explained that there is a model of an Energy Chapter in the Regional MP for towns to use as a guideline.

S. Ranlett stated he will get together with L. Komornick and M. Dorman and start working on the Energy Chapter.

S. Ranlett motioned to approve the Population Chapter as amended, second by C. Lanza.

There was no further discussion on the motion and the vote was 5-0-0 U/A.

Item Seven:

Other Business/Updates: Misc. Notices, letters, and other Correspondence from Dept. of Building Safety, Planning Department and ZBA; Status of Projects.

Route 125 Widening Project-Connector Road Update and Recommendation.

The Board reviewed a plan for a section of the Route 125 Widening Project that included the proposed connector Road.  

T. Moore explained where the location for the proposed access road would be.  He said that when Rt. 125, from Old Road. to East Road., is widened there will be another signalized intersection at Brickyard Square; it will ease traffic when the property across the street gets developed.  That driveway from the signalized intersection will come down to Planet Fitness and connect onto the left portion of the access road.  He added that that was the original concept; to help businesses along Rt. 125 by allowing access to from the rear.  He said that unfortunately as this plan was developed they were working with Telly’s on a new shopping center and that plan was not compatible with the connector road.  DOT stopped the connector road where the stub is (See Plan).  He explained that they have been telling them (DOT) that it does not make sense to have the stub unless it connects to Old Road.  This is the new plan they have come back with that connects to Old Road.  He stated that from access management point of view it makes good sense but the concern is what will the connection do for traffic on Old Road.

The Board discussed the land around the proposed access road; the stump dump, the steep hill and how much development is actually possible there.

R. Gray stated that from a safety stand point the Police and Fire Chief’s both want to have the access road because once the median is put in on Rt125 the only way to get to this side of Rt. 125 will be to go all the way up to Westville and take a u-turn on East Road.  He is concerned, from a planning standpoint, because many land owners there did not want curb cuts into the back of their properties from the connector road.  He asked, besides public safety, what would be the purpose of the connector road; would trucks be using it for deliveries.  Trucks going back south after deliveries could lead to more traffic on Main Street, he is not in favor of more truck traffic on Main Street.  

C. Lanza asked if the property owners were receptive of road aside from the curb cuts.

R. Gray and L. Komornick replied yes.  L. Komornick explained further saying that Red Tormayo said it would be great and has already signed a waiver and Telly has almost signed.  Telly had a few questions about the impact to his property and a well he has put in.  It is not near the path of the road but the issue is that the pipes will need to be put under the road.  

R. Gray added that Mark Marino (property owner in front of Planet Fitness) complained that there is not enough parking at Planet Fitness and people are parking on his property.

L. Komornick stated that this is unsubstantiated.

The Board discussed this issue.

R. Gray said at the BOS meeting/ DOT presentation they also discussed having sidewalks on the access road.  R. Gray reminded the Board that by law the sidewalks need to be maintained by the Town.

M. Dorman suggested a paved shoulder would work; they can be plowed.  There was more discussion.

R. Gray stated that if the PB recommends the connector road he would request that they put a sign on Old Road saying no trucks making right hand turns.  They will need to use a jug handle somewhere to go south.

The Board discussed the connector road further deciding that they wanted more time to think about the traffic concerns, if the road will be a benefit to the Town and review the abutter’s concerns.  L. Komornick will send the Board the minutes from the BOS meeting the DOT presentation was held.   It was decided that they will continue this discussion until the next meeting.

Review of letter from Chief Savage to Home Depot regarding use of remaining funds in the Access Management and Accident Reconstruction Funds from 2004.

L. Komornick said that this was just an FYI for the Board.  She explained that when Home Depot was approved they agreed to pay sums of off-site improvement money, not impact fees.  One was $36,000 for the new command vehicle for the Fire Department, $20,000 for an access management study and $20,000 for accident reconstruction software program that the Police Department negotiated.  The money came into the Town and was set up in separate funds that they have been carrying.  Some has been used but now there is a balance of $13,838.11.  A letter has been sent to Home Depot asking if that money can be utilized for a locked storage area that the communications servers need to be placed in according to new federal and state laws.

Approval of the Construction Bond for Tractor Supply and signature of Mylars and final paper copies.

R. Gray asked if it was all approved by engineering.

L. Komornick answered yes, they had a meeting.

C. Lanza asked why there was a CLD quantity number and a quantity number.

L. Komornick explained that they had proposed it and then CLD went in and said what they thought the numbers should be.  She explained further adding that the final number will be $47,500.

R. Gray motioned to approve the construction Bond of $47,500., second by C. Lanza.

There was no discussion on the motion and the vote was 5-0-0 U/A.

L. Komornick showed the Board a copy of their plan noting that their corporate people look at the site plan and they are moving one space from the trailer parking spaces to open it up and putting the required space to another side.  She added that the plan is not recorded yet and they still meet the required amount of spaces.  It is just an FYI for the Board.

M. Dorman noted that they will be done with the construction in 18 weeks; they will start on April 1st.  He added that Mr. Blynn will be in soon; he is ready to go.






ZBA Notices

R. Gray asked if the PB could write a letter to the ZBA stating that this was a pre-existing condition that was not approved by the Board (ZBA notice # 12-04 and # 12-05).  His recollection of the hearing is that he (D. Connolly) had a garage approved residentially and then they started using it commercially.  He is not sure if that will come up at the ZBA and he does not want them to be surprised.

There was more discussion on this issue.  The Board was not sure what he is applying for the variance for.  It was noted that if D. Connolly gets the variance he will need to come back before the PB for a site plan.

T. Moore stated that unless the PB has a strong position about supporting or not supporting a variance or special exception they do not normally write letters.

R. Gray stated that his position is to not condone activity that should have been handled from their standpoint first.

L. Komornick stated that she writes a Notice of Decision that explains why it had been denied.

R. Gray withdrew his request to write the letter.

T. Moore suggested writing a draft letter to send around to PB members to review.  He asked how the Board felt about the sending the letter.

C. Lanza replied that he would need to see the letter to understand the context.

S. Ranlett stated that he would abstain from the discussion of the letter.

Development and Business Updates

R. Gray mentioned that last year they had discussed receiving a list monthly of ongoing projects in the Town.  He added that Kohl’s face-lift project had come to a surprise to him but would have been on that list.  

S. Ranlett noted that they used to get a list of projects monthly.

R. Gray though M. Dorman should supply the Board with the list as he is issuing the permits.

The Board discussed who should supply the list of projects to the Board.  The Board members felt strongly that they should be made aware of these projects even though applicants do not need to come before the Board; the Board would like to know what is going on.

M. Dorman will supply the Board with a list of all occupancy permits once a month.  He told the Board that Steve Lewis is back; Chandler Ave.  He spoke with him about a week ago; there may be a deal involved with the property, he wants to down size by one unit, he has an approved plan still within the five year limit and still okay according to the PB’s attorney and he will do some minor drainage changes.

C. Lanza said they will need to see a plan.

L. Komornick noted that they sought clarification to allow him to come back with an amended site plan; as long as it is minor.

C. Lanza stated that as he will need to comply with new regulations for drainage it should be better.

M. Dorman agreed and said it was just an FYI for the Board.

Town Meeting/Articles

R. Gray mentioned the two Articles that failed for the Boarding Houses in both the ICR district and the Village District; the CII passed.  He thought people might not have understood that part of the Village District is in CII; they did not have a sketch.  He also explained to the Board that in talking with people, the people of the community do not want the train layover in this community.  He felt people were taking it personally against him like it was his idea.  He said a larger issue regarding several projects discussed; super Wal-mart, MBTA layover facility; when people talk about these issues they get upset.  People do not want these types of things in this community.  He feels the PB should have a discussion at some point regarding if they are doing the right thing and if they are following the Master Plan.  They need to have a conversation about whether the Town wants these large businesses like super Wal-mart and MBTA Layover coming to the Town if the Town’s people do not want that but want a small town feel.  Does the zoning reflect that; they would be helpless to stop it if these businesses came into Town and wanted to put one up right now.

L. Komornick stated that since she has worked for the Town not once has anyone come in and asked to re-zone Kingston Rd.

The Board discussed this further.

T. Moore stated that tomorrow DOT will select a consultant to do the alternatives analysis, all the studies that will supply the people with information that they don’t have.  Sometime early summer the consultant will be onboard and a large portion of the work will be public outreach and communication.  Town’s people will have plenty of opportunity to see what is being proposed ad where it is proposed.  It will be well advertised and the hearings will be here (at Town Hall).

Plan NH

L. Komornick said it will be on Monday April 23rd, it will be a joint meeting with BOS and the final plan will be presented that night.  She said that Board members should be present.

Board members wished Gennifer Good luck and thanked her for joining the Board.

Item Eight:

Adjournment

There was no further business before the Planning Board and the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 P.M.

Respectfully submitted as recorded by Laurie Pagnottaro.


Approved by the Planning Board on ______________________________________

_______________________________________  
Timothy E. Moore, Chairman