Minutes 7/10/18
This meeting was recorded for the secretary’s records.
Location: Town Hall Annex 246 Main Street
Open: 6:33pm
Present: Norm Anderson (chair), Marilyn Sidoti, Tim Nahrwold, Dick Williams, Eli Goldman (CMRPC)
Guests: Leah Whiteman, Jeff Stillings, Jim Soucy, Julian Votruba, Janet Pierce
Minutes: The board reviewed the minutes from the 6/26/18 meeting. Dick moved to accept the minutes. Marilyn 2nd. Dick, Norm, and Marilyn voted favorably. Tim abstained.
ANRS: None
Guests: Leah Whiteman and Jeff Stillings, newly elected Board of Selectmen members attended the meeting. They are interested in getting to know the various board members in town and to have a good working relationship with the boards.
Julian Votruba and Jim Soucy came in to get forms to apply for special permits for an open space subdivision and a senior housing project.
Invoices: Two landmark invoices were submitted for the public hearing notices for the upcoming solar projects. Also the Planning Board submitted payment for the ad for the town planner position.
Southern Worcester County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS): Janet Pierce, Executive Director from CMRPC came in to speak. CEDS will be submitted to the Economic Development Administration (EDA) on the Federal level and once approved by the EDA the CEDS becomes the strategy for all 40 communities. It is important for all 40 communities to be recognized to have a voice. The public comments period is open until July 12th. By filing the CEDS, the region has more potential for federal funding including federal grants. Janet recommended focusing on the first 38 pages of the document. Tim read the document and said his only comment is that it is “well put together”.
Review request for the field space at Glenwood Elementary School to be used for recreational fields: Dick said he had heard from Deb Carlson, the secretary for the Agricultural Commission, that this land should be reserved for farming. Dick feels there are other town owned spaces that would be better suited for this purpose without taking potential farmland. Tim feels it is a safety issue because there is no parking except in the road. Dick also feels the land needs too much leveling. Tim also said he thought it was a poor choice from an economic standpoint. The land is currently being maintained by whoever is leasing it. When it becomes a town field, resources will need to be allocated to mow it and upkeep it. Norm questioned if there was land near the Glenwood Community Center than could be
utilized. Dick said that Rutland has lost 62 acres of farmable land to solar already. Tim made a motion to suggest to the select board that they investigate other opportunities other than the Glenwood Elementary School open fields. Dick 2nd, all in favor. Laurie will send a letter to Abby Benoit.
Brice Lemon: The Quinn Report from 7/9/18 was reviewed by the board. Tim was concerned that phase 2 is started before phase 1 is complete. Dick said that junction with the rail trail should be put in during phase 1. Dick brought attention to our Subdivision regulations Section VI Design Standards C. Sidewalks, bikeways and walking paths. The Rail Trail is considered a bikeway. Norm suggested a letter be sent to Clea requesting him to submit details on the planned access to the rail trail. Tim would like a date for response to be included in the letter. The board decided on July 31st for a response date. Dick and Tim would like Clea to review his conditions and special conditions. This will be added to the letter also. Tim also found a document dated 1/29/16 from The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs that states there should be the “establishment of a 15-ft easement with a 5-ft path to provide pedestrian access from the project site to the adjacent rail trail.”
Bear Hill: The board reviewed an email from Ron Barron dated 7/10/18. The first point on the email states that Seth has an issue with the guardrail on Clealand Circle. This was confusing to the board because had had previously told Norm, Dick and Laurie that the hydrant was all set. Norm will speak to Seth (Fire Chief) to find out why there has been a change of opinion on this.
Point 2 was that Seth said the turnaround on Arrowhead Drive has been put in and is sufficient.
Point 3 was to discuss the guardrail on the bridge on Grizzly Drive. Norm is satisfied with the pressure treated lumber that was installed.
Point 4 was in reference to a resident issue with a neighbor posting no trespassing signs. It was determined that this is a civil issue and not a planning board issue.
Point 5 was regarding inlaw apartments and Norm said this also does not concern the planning board.
Town Planner Update: There are currently 5 applicants. Interviews will be done later this month. An interview committee will be formed. Tim feels it should be the planning board that does the interviews. Margaret wants a planning board member, a member of RDIC and a selectman on the committee.
Marilyn motioned to close the meeting. Tim 2nd, all in favor.
Close: 9:31 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Laurie Becker, Secretary
Minutes approved on 8/14/18
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