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MINUTES OF THE PLANNING BOARD CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING
METRO/PCS APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL PERMIT AND SITE PLAN REVIEW
JULY 9, 2008
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Patricia Halpin, John Baker, Karen Paré, Lawrence Salate, Vincent Vignaly
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Karla Hanna, Kyle MacCallum
Ms. Halpin opened the continued public hearing at 7:05 p.m. Mr. Vignaly asked to be recused because he is an employee of the DCR, whose land abuts that of the Water District on Lawrence Street. Mr. MacCallum, the representative of Crown Castle, owner of the cell tower, indicated that he had not yet been in touch with John Scannell at the DCR. The DCR needs to review the proposed access plan because the flow of water will be diverted onto DCR property. The original redesign of the access driveway to the tower had the flow entering the town system, but now the suggestion is to flatten the road and divert some of the flow onto DCR property.
Mr. MacCallum presented a revised plan, dated July 3, 2008, as well as a letter, dated today, responding to VHB’s review letter of July 2, 2008. He stated that Mr. Amico’s concerns will be addressed concerning the functioning and cleaning of the existing drainage system, if needed. Mr. Westerling has been given a copy of the plan, which he is reviewing. Mr. Salate noted that, at the Water District meeting on June 23rd, it was suggested that the sumps be made deeper, which has been done, but there are no hoods or outlets on the plan. He also inquired whether the catch basins will be able to handle all the flow. Have calculations been made of how much water will be flowing down the street and where it will be going? Ms. Paré asked where the road is being flattened, because it is not
shown on the plan. Mr. MacCallum indicated that he would like to get the engineers together with someone from the DCR to go over the plans. He added that he has made significant progress and is working in good faith with the DCR.
Ms. Halpin stated that, before the public hearing can be closed and the plan approved, documentation needs to be received from the engineer that the existing drainage system is functional and does not require cleaning prior to constructing the improvements; approval for the plan must be received from DCR and written approval must be received as well from
Minutes of the Meeting -2-
July 9, 2008
the DPW. Ms. Paré added that the plan needs to show where the road is to be flattened. A hood is needed on the catch basin outlet pipe and a swale cuts in around a utility pole. She inquired whether anyone from the Water Department took notes on what changes need to be made. Ms. Paré stated that she would be amenable to conditional approval but new information cannot be accepted after a public hearing is closed. Mr. MacCallum stated that conditions will be addressed even if the public hearing is closed. Metro needs to start the process of ordering parts and making plans for the collocation. Ms. Hanna added that company policy mandates that materials cannot be ordered and the process cannot go “to the next step” until the public hearing is closed. Mr. Baker stated that approval
is needed from the DPW and nothing will be added to the tower until it is received. Also, the location of the light pole is a problem. Either it needs to be moved, or permission must be obtained from the Municipal Lighting Plant allowing the pole to remain in the middle of the swale.
Ms. Paré stated that an updated plan is needed as well as sign-offs from the DPW, DCR, Water and Light Departments. A hood needs to be added to the catch basin outlet, in compliance with the stormwater regulations, and drainage calculations need to be certified by a professional engineer. No building permit will be issued until the revised plan for the access driveway is approved. Mr. Baker stated that the Planning Board is not in a position to vote on this partially-revised plan. Too many items need to be addressed and approval must be obtained from too many entities. The Planning Board has a duty to fix this driveway and these plans do not yet do that. If the vote is taken tonight to close the public hearing and approve the Special Permit, Mr. Baker stated that he would vote against it.
Mr. Salate agreed. In order to pass, a Special Permit needs to receive four positive votes from the members of the Planning Board.
Ms. Halpin inquired, who, between Crown Castle and the Water District, is the “one” making this happen? Mr. MacCallum stated that Crown Castle has assumed the lead. Ms. Halpin suggested that Mr. MacCallum needs to spend “face” time and personally go to the DCR, Municipal Lighting Plant and the DPW in order to resolve all the outstanding issues. Mr. Baker suggested that the engineer from Infinigy, who prepared the plans, could make these contacts. Ms. Hanna stated that it was her understanding that, if a plan was submitted, then Metro would get its approval. Ms. Paré stated that the plan does not show the resolution for the drainage issue, which is the problem that needs to be addressed. Upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. Baker, it was unanimously voted to continue
the public hearing until Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. Ms. Halpin stated that she would email the DPW and the Water District to inform them about the results of the meeting.
Date Approved:_________ By:________________________
Karen Paré, Clerk
Submitted By:_____________________
Susan Abramson
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