MINUTES OF THE PLANNING BOARD MEETING
MARCH 24, 2010
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Lawrence Salate, Patricia Halpin, Patrick McKeon, Karen Paré, Vincent Vignaly
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Leon Gaumond
GENERAL BYLAWS ARTICLE XII: RESPONSE TO BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Members of the Planning Board were asked to review proposed changes, to be voted at the May Town Meeting, to the General Bylaws, Article XII. Public Ways and Properties. Following a discussion at the last meeting, Ms. Paré drafted a letter to the Board of Selectmen containing the suggestions raised by the Planning Board. This draft was discussed, amended and signed by Mr. Salate.
REPORTS FROM OTHER BOARDS
Housing Partnership/Housing Production Plan
Ms. Halpin stated that she is having problems with the process in which the Housing Production Plan (the “Plan”) is being presented. Additions and changes to the Plan are presented at the joint meetings of the Housing Partnership and the Planning Board, instead of being emailed well prior to the meeting so that the changes can be reviewed by Board members. The Plan itself, at this point, lacks specificity. A key point is combining the Housing Partnership and the Housing Trust as well as having a financial analyst. Holden’s Comprehensive Permit Policy should be reviewed and discussed at the next meeting. Specifics of the current financial situation should be available at this time. Mr. Vignaly agreed that Ms. Settles needs to present a more detailed Plan and to review our
Zoning Bylaws. Mr. McKeon said that the services of CMRPC are needed in order for the town to be compliant with the myriad state laws involving Comprehensive Permits and LID’s. Ms. Halpin added that a glossary of terminology is also needed. Mr.
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March 24, 2010
Vignaly agreed to call Ms. Settles to discuss the concerns raised tonight by the Planning Board. Ms. Paré queried whether what the Board has been receiving from Ms. Settles is her idea of the “Plan” or just her notes. In any event, Ms. Paré agreed that the Board needs to review any documents at least a week in advance.
Community Preservation Committee/Open Space Implementation Committee (“OSIC”)
Mr. Salate reported that the Community Preservation Committee has begun meeting and discussing requests for funds in order to be ready for Town Meeting. Mr. Vignaly reported that there is not yet a firm proposal ready to be presented to the owners for purchase of their property on Lee Street. This proposal needs to be firm by June 30th in order to go ahead and present it for a vote at the October Town Meeting. Funds for the purchase of the five acres (estimated sales price of $150,000) will come in part from Community Preservation Funds, the Water District and the state (DEP). The town can borrow against Community Preservation funds that will be coming in the future.
The renovations at Goodale Park will cost in excess of $500,000. The RFP’s are coming in low at this point so the project may well cost less than anticipated. The OSIC supports these renovations as long as 10% of the Community Preservation funds allotted for “open space” are not used for this project. Private fund raising will be necessary to raise funds and may include the sale of bricks.
ZBA
Il Forno has filed an application with the ZBA to be allowed to construct a single-standing sign in front of their property on Route 12.
Housing Trust/Partnership
Mr. Gaumond joined the meeting at which time a further discussion ensued about combining the Housing Trust and the Housing Partnership. Mr. Gaumond envisioned a situation where just the Housing Trust would exist and a housing specialist would be hired, using Community Preservation Association funds. He reported that he was working with Ms. Settles to get a regional DLTA Grant to study the policies and procedures concerning housing responsibilities within a community.
MINUTES/BILLS
An invoice was approved for payment to VHB for engineering review services.
Upon motion of Mr. Vignaly and second of Ms. Paré, the March 10, 2010 Minutes of the Star Tower Public Hearing were approved as written. Upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. Vignaly, it was unanimously voted to approve as amended the Minutes of
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the March 10, 2010 Meeting of the Planning Board. At 9:30 p.m., upon motion of Ms. Halpin 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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