MINUTES OF THE PLANNING BOARD MEETING
JUNE 10, 2009
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Lawrence Salate, Patrick McKeon, Karen Paré, Vincent Vignaly
MEMBERS ABSENT: Patricia Halpin
OTHERS PRESENT: Wayne Amico, Christopher Pallotta, Andrew Surabian, Patrick Healy
Robert McLaren, Robert Claise
ERNIE’S CAR WASH: INSPECTIONS
Mr. Christopher Pallotta, owner of Ernie’s Car Wash, appeared before the meeting to submit documentation that his project has complied with the terms of the January 29, 2009 Planning Board letter concerning its “As-Built” Review. He submitted an email from the Building Inspector, Mr. Brodeur, stating that the delta island and hydro-seeding are to his satisfaction. A letter from John Mancini of Mancini & Sons states that the faulty binder was filled or cut out and repaired before final paving. An engineer’s certification letter from Andrew Liston of Thompson-Liston Associates was also submitted along with photographs of the completed delta island, pavement, fencing, hydro-seeding and landscaping. Mr. Amico noted that the cement pad and delta island were inspected post-installation. Ms.
Paré stated her disappointment that VHB was not contacted prior the final paving, which was the one stipulation of the Board back in January when it rushed to complete its as-built review so that the owner could get occupancy. There are now no outstanding issues. Mr. Vignaly noted that this is a private business (as opposed to a subdivision) and if there are problems with the paving, it is not the responsibility of the town to repair. Upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. Vignaly, it was unanimously voted to notify the Building Inspector that all conditions of certification have been met for completion of the project and the Board has no objections to the project being issued a permanent occupancy.
AMERICAN RED CROSS: APPLICATION FOR SITE PLAN REVIEW
Mr. Robert McLaren represented the Red Cross. He stated that the proposed project aims to add up to 25 parking spaces, but there will be no changes to the building, traffic generation or drainage. There will be some regrading and an additional handicapped spot
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will be added. Ms. Paré noted that the letter of application discusses some revised stormwater calculations and she would like to see a review of the lighting. Mr. Vignaly added that with the increased traffic on site, stormwater quality becomes a concern and new DEP Regulations further require an engineering review. Application and review fees are based upon the size of the lot on which the project is to take place, not the size of the project, which would mean that the fees would be $5,500 for engineering review and $1,200 for the application fee. The Red Cross submitted a $900 application fee and no engineering review fee. Upon further discussion, it was agreed to allow the applicant to pay the review fee normally due for a smaller lot but to pay the full amount required for the application fee,
especially since the Red Cross pays no property taxes to the town. Mr. McLaren agreed to submit an additional $300 for the application fee and $4,500 for the review fee. Any balance left in this account after the review will be refunded to the applicant. The public hearing was scheduled for July 8, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. The applicant will notify the abutters and be responsible for publishing the legal notice of public hearing.
REVIEW OF TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (“TIP”) DEVELOPMENT LETTER
Mr. Amico stated that the process of having a proposed town project become part of the TIP development list involves town administrators’ contacting their legislative representatives as well as lobbying efforts on behalf of the town. It is not inexpensive to do. It is necessary for a town to plead its case, at a meeting conducted somewhat like an auction. Mr. Vignaly noted that there have been many projects done with stimulus money and this is an opportunity to try and accomplish some projects for the town, such as sidewalks. Mr. Salate agreed to forward the letter to members of the Transportation Committee. Ms. Paré agreed to email the Town Administrator as well as Mr. Greenough, on the Town Wide Planning Committee, concerning this outreach project of the Central Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning
Organization. Mr. Amico noted that MassHighway requires a letter from the town concerning their acceptance of the responsibility to plow and maintain any sidewalks along state-owned roads.
CONSIDERATION OF MINOR CHANGE TO SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS
Ms. Paré noted that in the Appendix of the Subdivision Regulations of the town, the Model Conveyance of Easements and Utilities incorrectly lists “120 Prescott Street” as the address for the town offices and it should be changed to “127 Hartwell Street”. She stated that this change is certainly not significant enough to warrant holding a public hearing, especially since the model document is found in the Appendix of the Regulations. Mr. Vignaly agreed to make this minor change on his computer and distribute it to the Town Clerk.
OLD BUSINESS
Angell Brook: The Planning Board has received a copy of the Angell Brook Conservation Restriction, which has been executed and recorded at the Registry.
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Bethlehem Bible Church: An informational letter was received from the Bethlehem Bible Church stating their intention not to expand their parking lot at this time due to the bad economy.
REPORTS FROM OTHER BOARDS
Open Space: Mr. Vignaly reported that members of the Open Space Implementation Committee plan an outreach program to other town boards, making them aware of “action items” in the revised Open Space Plan which require their involvement, such as the Sidewalk Committee, the Conservation Commission, the Town Administrator, etc.
Town Wide Planning Committee:
Ms. Paré reported that the Town Wide Planning Committee (“TWPC”) has invited the Planning Board to their October 6, 2009 meeting as part of the current update of the Master Plan. The Planning Board’s responsibility primarily is for the Land Use section. Ms. Paré asked that members review this section prior to the meeting and be ready with any additions or deletions. Mr. Vignaly suggested that the TWPC members come to a meeting of the Planning Board, to ensure that all Board members would be there. Ms. Paré stated that the meeting on the 6th of October could begin the review process and the Planning Board could then invite the TWPC to one of its meetings. Mr. Vignaly asked that the Planning Board be given some ideas and questions to think about before the meeting. After five years, Ms. Paré stated, much of the data in the Master Plan is incorrect. After ten years, the TWPC does a full rewrite of the document. It has only been five years since the Master Plan was completed,
so there will not be new demographics or data. However, figures for housing starts and problems with items in the housing section can be addressed. The town will be able to conduct online polling in the future from Virtual Townhall and thus collect data. Mr. Vignaly queried how it would be possible to know whether the respondent is a resident of the town. Ms. Paré stated that there will be safeguards in the software program
MINUTES/BILLS
Ms. Abramson distributed copies of the most recent “Departmental Expenditure Report” from the Town Accountant. Figures thereon agree with those records kept by the Planning Board for balances in the “Review Accounts”. It was agreed to refund the balances remaining in the accounts for Merrimount Subdivision and Oakdale Nursing and Rehabilitation. Ms. Paré will check and see if Building Permits have been pulled for those
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accounts whose project was to collocate on cell towers. If these projects are complete, the balances remaining in the accounts will also be refunded.
An invoice was approved for payment to VHB for engineering review fees.
Mr. Vignaly suggested that the Planning Board make an electronic file for compilation at its next meeting of Certificates of Approval issued by the Planning Board.
Upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. Vignaly, it was unanimously voted to approve as amended the Minutes of the Public Hearing held May 13, 2009 for Surabian Realty Application for Site Plan Review. Upon motion of Mr. Vignaly and second of Ms. Paré, it was unanimously voted to approve as amended the Minutes of the May 13, 2009 Planning Board Meeting.
Date Accepted:__________ By:__________________________
Karen Paré, Clerk
Submitted By:________________________
Susan Abramson
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