MINUTES OF THE PLANNING BOARD MEETING
MARCH 11, 2009
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Patricia Halpin, John Baker, Karen Paré, Lawrence Salate, Vincent Vignaly
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Michael Staiti
SIGN HONEY DEW DONUTS EXTENSION OF APPROVAL
Having previously voted to extend for one year the Approval of the Site Plan for Honey Dew Donuts, the Board signed the Extension. It will be forwarded to the applicant.
VERIZON WIRELESS: RECEIPT OF BOND
A bond in the amount of $25,000 was received from TowerCo. Assets on behalf of Verizon Wireless to cover the costs of dismantling the communications tower on Beaman Street, if necessary. No bond has yet been received from Verizon for the dismantling of their equipment. The bond will be given to the Treasurer for safe keeping.
REPORTS FROM OTHER BOARDS:
Open Space: The Open Space Implementation Committee (“OSIC”) will draft a letter to the Board of Selectmen asking them to investigate OSC’s concern about botulism at the site on Prospect Street that may be obtained by swap from the DCR. The OSIC would like the DCR to test for botulism before any deal is finalized.
ZBA: Apparently, a public hearing will be held on March 25th to consider the construction of the fence in the setback along the rail line at Angell Brook. The Planning Board was not notified about a ZBA public hearing that was held about a sewing business that was established next to the Historical Society on Central Street.
Townwide Planning Committee: A “SWOT” meeting was held on February 28th at the library with seventeen people from the town in order to brainstorm ideas about the town’s
Minutes of the March 11, 2009 Meeting -2-
Of the Planning Board
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Ms. Paré represented the Planning Board and reported that strengths were considered to be location, public safety, the library, stability (long-term residents) and the beauty of the community. Weaknesses include the lack of revenue, DCR control, lack of control over the reservoir lands, unfunded state mandates and high pension costs. Opportunities include the use of DCR land to the town’s advantage, regionalization, new alternative energy funding, the economic stimulus and the hiring of a grant writer. Finally, threats are the economic downturn, new unfunded mandates, the condition of the infrastructure and increased competitiveness for resources.
DISCUSSION OF THE GREEN COMMUNITIES ACT
A memorandum was received from Kopelman and Paige P.C. concerning the Green Communities Act. Those sections pertaining to the actions of the Planning Board are “As-of-Right Zoning”, with which this town has no problem and “Expedited Permitting”. Although the town’s Zoning Bylaws do not define this process, the requirement to approve within one year is being met. Mr. Vignaly volunteered to discuss with Mr. Gaumond input from the Planning Board on issues raised in this Memo.
ANNUAL REPORT
Ms. Paré drafted for review the Planning Board’s Annual Report for the Fiscal Year 2008. She asked that any additions or changes be communicated to her before this Friday (the 13th) at which time she will be submitting the Report to Ms. Lucier.
STREET ACCEPTANCE PROCEDURES
Ms. Paré will also submit to Mr. Gaumond (and the Board of Selectmen) the final “Road Acceptance Procedures” prepared by the Planning Board, for their review.
MINUTES AND BILLS
An Invoice for engineering services from VHB was approved for payment. Upon motion of Mr. Vignaly and second of Mr. Salate, it was unanimously voted to accept as written the Minutes of the February 25, 2009 Meeting of the Planning Board.
At 8:30, upon motion of Mr. Salate and second of Ms. Paré, it was unanimously voted to adjourn.
Date Accepted:______________ By:_________________________________
Karen Paré, Clerk
Submitted By:________________________
Susan Abramson
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