MINUTES OF THE PLANNING BOARD MEETING
NOVEMBER 18, 2009
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Lawrence Salate, Patricia Halpin, Patrick McKeon, Karen Paré, Vincent Vignaly
OTHERS PRESENT: Allen Rantala, Jeff Nathan, Jim Valeriani, George Eisroun, Leon Gaumond
VOTE TO APPROVE REVISIONS TO PLANNING BOARD FEE SCHEDULE
Upon motion of Mr. Vignaly and second of Ms. Paré, it was unanimously voted to approve the proposed revisions to the Planning Board’s Fee Schedule.
INSPECTION REPORTS
Surabian-Wachusett Plaza: Mr. Jeff Nathan represented VHB at the meeting. There are problems with the loops at the traffic signal on Route 12 in front of the plaza. Patrick Healy from Thompson-Liston reported that lines were cut during construction. The top course will be completed next week and the timer will then be repaired. The punch list from the DOT is being addressed.
Angell Brook: Paving is scheduled for this month.
American Red Cross: No as-built plan has been submitted. Ms. Paré suggested that the Planning Board send an email to the Red Cross engineer (with copies to the Building Inspector and Mr. Amico) reminding him that submission of an as-built plan is required.
VERIZON: REQUEST TO MODIFY APPROVED PLAN
Mr. Vignaly asked to be recused from the discussion and vote on this matter. Attorney Jim Valeriani attended the meeting on behalf of Verizon to request a modification to the approved plan. The original Approval did not request any microwave connections. Verizon is approximately 90% done installing its facility but is having difficulty implementing easements for the new telephone lines along the existing right-of-way. Apparently, the right-of-way was never recorded at the Registry. It is not feasible to connect on land lines, so he is seeking a minor modification to install two (2) temporary microwave antennae.
Minutes of the Meeting 2.
November 18, 2009
These antennae will be installed at the tree-line (at 79’) and will make a connection with a tower in Holden. Case law in Massachusetts allows minor modifications.
Ms. Paré inquired whether the Water Department is involved with the discussions of the easement and Mr. Valeriani stated that it is state-owned land that is being crossed. Ms. Paré stated that this request does not violate Site Plan Approval in any way and she hopes that it does not create a problem for the Water District. Mr. Salate inquired how long this “temporary” installment will be in place. Mr. Valeriani stated it will be in place only until the easements are secured and he stated that he will return to the Planning Board in one year if it is still in place. Upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. McKeon, it was voted (four ayes) to allow this minor modification to the Site Plan Approval for a period no longer than one year from this date. Mr. Vignaly abstained from voting.
F/Y 2011 PRELIMINARY BUDGET SUBMISSION
Mr. Gaumond has requested that departments and boards submit a preliminary F/Y 2011 budget by December 31st that is level funded and level service. Last year’s request was pared to $3,000, to include both wages and all other line items. Thus, this year’s request will be $3,000.
OTHER BUSINESS
Town Counsel: A form was received from the Town Administrator, to be used when requesting the services of Town Counsel. Mr. Vignaly stated that he was under the impression that we have always been required to make this request in written form.
Meeting Schedule for 2010: This schedule will be voted upon at the December meeting of the Planning Board.
Recap of Roundtable With Economic Development Task Force: Ms. Halpin stated that, while she thought the roundtable discussion was beneficial, it would have been more productive to have an agenda, direction and agreement concerning the next steps to be taken. It would have also been beneficial to have members of the Shared Services Committee attend. Ms. Halpin addressed these concerns to Mr. Gaumond, who joined the meeting. He stated that resources are needed in order to hire someone who can follow up on several of the issues discussed at the roundtable. Ms. Paré agreed to write-up some Minutes from that meeting and circulate them to Ms. Halpin for her input.
MINUTES/BILLS
An Invoice from VHB for engineering review services was approved for payment. Upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. Vignaly, it was unanimously voted to approve as written the Minutes of the October 28, 2009 Meeting of the Planning Board.
Minutes of the Meeting 3.
November 18, 2009
At 9:35 p.m., upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Ms. Halpin, it was unanimously voted to adjourn.
Date Accepted:____________ By:________________________
Karen Paré, Clerk
Submitted By:__________________________
Susan Abramson
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