MINUTES OF THE PLANNING BOARD MEETING
OCTOBER 24, 2007
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Patricia Halpin, John Baker, Karen Paré, Lawrence Salate, Vincent Vignaly
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Wayne Amico, Mike Staiti
SIGN BYLAW PUBLIC HEARING
The Telegram & Gazette neglected to publish, within the time frame required by law, the legal notice of public hearing for the proposed change to the Sign Bylaw, so the hearing was cancelled. In addition, the Building Inspector who proposed these changes has withdrawn the submission. He will submit a new request along with other changes that he has since deemed advisable.
VOTE TO RELEASE BONDS: CHINO AVENUE AND TIMBERWOOD ESTATES
Upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. Salate, it was unanimously voted to release the bonds for Chino Avenue Subdivision (cash bond) and Timberwood Estates (Gulf Insurance Company, as surety). Mr. Westerling has inspected both subdivisions and notified the Planning Board of his recommendation to release the bonds.
INSPECTION REPORTS
Hillside Village: Mr. Staiti reported that work on Basin #2 has been completed and Heritage Design will be sending a letter to the Planning Board about the relocation of the spillway. The outlet pipe on Basin #1 has been raised and a “secondary basin” has been created. Both Mr. Bleau, of the Hillside Village Homeowners Association, and Mr. Brodeur have been informed of the progress. Mr. Amico reported that he inspected the site today. The side slope on Basin #2 has been raised and the emergency spill relocated. It is still difficult to grade due to the steepness of the slope. The outlet pipe on Basin #1 was raised. If Cheryl Peterson from Heritage certifies that the design is satisfactory, then the Board will have to accept that. The area will become stabilized over
time. The Board does need a formal letter from Heritage describing what remedial actions were taken. Mr. Vignaly stated
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that the remaining $10,000 bond will be kept in place until the Board can assess the effect of a substantial rainfall on the basins
Angell Brook: Mr. Staiti seeks to lower the $285,000 tri-party agreement for Angell Brook. Mr. Amico stated that his inspector will walk the site and come up with an estimate to cover the remaining work to be done. Maintenance and plowing will have to be taken into account. There is some “alligator cracking” of the pavement, cleaning of the drainage structures and an island to be built. Upon further consideration, Mr. Staiti stated that he will perhaps wait until next spring to request a further reduction.
Crescent Street Proposed Development: Mr. Staiti reported that the site has been approved for 24 units. The owner is considering whether he will continue with plans to develop the site.
Mr. Amico reported that he has received no new information from Gates Brook, Gerardo’s or Century Farm subdivision.
Ernie’s Car Wash is progressing well and work on the drainage system at Oakdale is also going well.
LAWRENCE STREET ROADWAY REPAIRS
The Water Commission has decided to get pricing on the repair of a section of the driveway leading to the water tower and the communications tower on Lawrence Street, according to Mr. Coveney. He has inquired whether the Board will still require a bond to be posted by Crown Castle, the company that was supposed to be doing the repairs. Mr. Vignaly examined the proposed plans for the reconstruction and noted that there are no contours or existing conditions shown on the sketch. The concern is that drainage problems must be resolved. Mr. Amico stated that the road cannot be simply rebuilt. It is necessary to see where the water will go and construct a berm and perhaps more basins. Ms. Paré suggested that Mr. Amico contact Mr. Coveney and together visit the site to discuss what the project should entail. Funds for Mr. Amico’s services will be paid from the Nextel and Fiber Tower accounts.
PLANNING BOARD GOALS FOR 2008
At the request of Mr. Gaumond, the Planning Board proposed certain goals for the next year.
Mr. Vignaly suggested preparing a plan for sidewalks in town and researching what grants may be available for their construction.
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Ms. Halpin suggested that a position be created to oversee townwide projects such as the Tivnan Drive development and to be a “hands on” person at the town
offices as part of the office of the Town Administrator. This person could also serve as a grant writer for the town.
Ms. Halpin also suggested that it would be good for the town to have a “charrette” in order to make certain that people are all on the same page as to town priorities and what projects and goals are important for the town as a whole. She cited as an example, the vote taken by the Board of Selectmen not to include a Warrant Article this fall to further fund the Library, thus making future state certification uncertain. Mr. Vignaly agreed that it would be good to have a forum, whether a charrette or a survey to give direction to the Board of Selectmen.
Mr. Salate attended a recent Business Expo and noted that many towns were represented, informing the public of such activities as land for sale in the town. The Economic Development Commission should be encouraged to create a brochure, Mr. Vignaly added, to market the land north of I-190.
It was also suggested that the role of the Bylaws Committee be clarified by Mr. Gaumond.
OLD BUSINESS
Sign Bylaw Amendments: The Building Inspector will be invited to the next meeting of the Board to discuss his proposed amendments to the Sign Bylaw.
Inclusionary Zoning vs Incentive Zoning: The Board of Selectmen has invited the Planning Board to attend their meeting on November 21st to discuss a possible Inclusionary Housing Bylaw. This matter will be discussed by the Planning Board at its November meeting.
Proposed Amendments to the Zoning Bylaws: On October 17, 2007, the Board of Selectmen voted to refer two proposed amendments to the Zoning Bylaws to the Planning Board for their consideration at a public hearing. The first concerns confusing language concerning associate members of the ZBA and the second requests that the Worcester Corporate Center be included again as part of the CCRC Overlay District. Public hearings were scheduled for December 12, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. for the CCRC Overlay District and 7:45 p.m. for the matter of the language for ZBA members. Ms. Paré stated that the Board should remember in the future to require some affordable units as part of CCRC developments. She will research whether the amendment to the CCRC Overlay District requires a change to the wording of the Zoning Bylaws
or whether a map change is necessary.
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Public Hearing Communication: In the future, notices of public hearing will be posted on public cable, Channel 11, as well as on the website, in town hall and in the Telegram & Gazette. Ms. Paré noted that it is possible to request “news” emails from the town’s website if you want to be informed of town activities.
FINANCIALS
Ms. Paré has been working with the Assistant Town Accountant, Ms. Guertin, to clarify exactly how much money remains in the Planning Board account that pays salaries and all Board expenses. There was some doubt whether enough remained to pay for secretarial assistance through the remainder of the year. After refunding remaining review fees to Meadowbrook, the balance left appears to be enough to continue functioning until year-end.
MINUTES/BILLS
An Invoice was approved for payment to VHB for engineering review services. Upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. Salate, it was unanimously voted to accept as amended the Minutes of the October 10, 2007 Meeting of the Planning Board.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Date Accepted:_____________ By:_____________________________
Karen Paré, Clerk
Submitted By:________________________
Susan Abramson
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