MINUTES OF THE PLANNING BOARD MEETING
JUNE 13, 2012
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Patrick McKeon, Karen Paré, Marc Frieden, Vincent Vignaly
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Wayne Amico, David Femia, Paul Conger
All documents referenced in these Minutes are stored and available for public inspection in the Planning Board office, 127 Hartwell Street
242 WOODLAND STREET: DISCUSSION OF INSPECTION ISSUES
Paul Conger, developer of the site at 242 Woodland Street, attended the meeting in order to present a new parking plan and, at the Planning Board’s request, discuss issues concerning site inspections. The revised parking layout reduced the size of the two large islands, which resulted in the gain of two parking spaces. The trees that were intended for the island will be dispersed throughout the property, Mr. Conger explained. He added that there is more work to do on the site. He just received the “stop” sign today (which needed to be obtained from the DPW) and it will be installed tomorrow, along with other directional signs.
After perusing the plan, Ms. Paré inquired whether the parking spaces are in the setback. Mr. Conger stated that he was just focusing on the “safety issues” by changing the size of the islands. Ms. Paré stated that the Board does not require any more spaces, but they must not be located in the setback. Mr. Amico stated that the Zoning Bylaws do not permit any parking in the setback. Mr. Vignaly, after reviewing the Site Plan Approval that was issued, asked for the plan for the internal signs. Mr. Conger stated that he will submit this plan.
Mr. Amico stated that Mr. Doughty, inspection engineer from VHB, had been out to the site twice. He read the inspection letter submitted to the applicant in October. Mr. Vignaly stated that the plan must show outside setbacks and must meet internal landscaping requirements. He inquired why the Planning Board has not received structural plans for the
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retaining wall. Mr. Conger stated that they were supplied to the Building Inspector. Mr. Vignaly stated that, under the conditions of the Approval, it was a requirement of the applicant to submit those plans to the Planning Board. In reviewing the Site Plan Approval of October 12, 2011, Mr. Vignaly noted that condition numbers 4, 5, 6 7 and 9 have not been met. He added that, if the base course of the paving has been done without an inspection, the Planning Board has traditionally required that core samples be drilled. Ms. Paré instructed Mr. Conger to compose a list of items he has changed (or wishes to change) from the approved plan and present a revised plan that does not show parking in the setback. Changes not of a major nature can be incorporated in the as-built plan.
Mr. Amico stated that he sees these issues:
Any changes need to be formally presented;
The inspection letter has not been followed, so there are two options. One is to send Mr. Doughty a survey of what has not been viewed and/or send a letter to the Planning Board listing what has not been followed and send pictures of same, with back-up. The second option is for Mr. Conger to compile all of the information and backup documentation.
The subsurface drainage system is OK, according to Mr. Doughty. During his other visit, the retaining wall was discussed. The modification to the entrance drive was verbally OK’ed by Mr. Amico during a joint telephone conversation with the DPW, at their request. Mr. Amico stated that VHB had not witnessed any underground utility installation or drainage. Mr. Conger replied that he had the “town do the work” with the utilities and the DPW witnessed the drainage installation. Mr. Conger stated that he will attempt to get all requested information to the Planning Board by June 27th (the next meeting).
CMRPC PRIORITIZATION PROJECT: ATTENDANCE AT JULY 18TH MEETING
Mr. Gaumond has requested that the Planning Board and EDTF meet with the BOS for a joint meeting on July 18th to discuss CMRPC’s regional and local priorities “plan for growth and development” in the region. Following up on a discussion from the prior meeting, Mr. Vignaly stated that the continuation of Hartwell Street is owned by the town, down to Route 140. It has not been opened to Route 140 because it is very steep and there is not a good sight line. It might be possible for the town and Boylston to work together with the DCR to straighten the road at that location where there is a bad curve.
Other regionalization projects could include the improvement of Briar Lane, which was repaired several years ago but is once again deteriorating.
DISCUSSION OF REQUEST TO BOARD OF SELECTMEN TO BEGIN PROCESS OF APPOINTING A FIFTH MEMBER TO THE PLANNING BOARD
The Town Administrator has requested that the Planning Board send a letter to the Board of Selectmen requesting that they start the process to appoint a fifth member to the
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Planning Board. Mr. Gaumond explained that the letter would set in motion the advertising for the position and the Planning Board would subsequently meet with the BOS to consider
any candidates who expressed an interest in membership on the Board. The two boards would then vote on each candidate. Mr. Frieden stated that he would compose and send the letter. In attendance tonight is Mr. David Femia, a resident of Sterling Street, who expressed an interest in joining the Board. A discussion of the Planning Board’s responsibilities and functions then took place with Mr. Femia.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS/COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE COMING YEAR
Mr. Vignaly moved, seconded by Mr. Frieden, a slate of officers for the coming year:
Chair: Mr. Frieden
Vice Chair: Ms. Paré
Clerk: Mr. McKeon
Treasurer: Mr. Vignaly
The motion carried unanimously.
The following committee assignments were decided for the coming year:
Economic Development Task Force: Mr. McKeon
CMRPC: Mr. Frieden
Town-Wide Planning Committee: Ms. Paré
Open Space Implementation Committee: Mr. Vignaly
Transportation: Mr. Vignaly
Community Preservation: Ms. Paré
Bylaws: Mr. Frieden
NEW BUSINESS
The Town Administrator has asked that the Planning Board meet on August 15, 2012 to discuss sewer capacity issues with the Sewer Commission.
A new, fireproof file cabinet has been ordered for the Planning Board. Two old file cabinets may no longer fit in the office and may be declared surplus property.
REPORTS FROM OTHER BOARDS
Open Space Implementation Committee: Mr. Vignaly reported that the committee will meet to discuss reorganization.
Housing: Mr. Vignaly presented a partial draft Housing Production Plan for members to review, including the town’s “needs”. There should be a further discussion of “assumptions”.
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REVIEW OF MINUTES OF MAY 23, 2012/PAYMENT OF INVOICES
Upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. Frieden, it was unanimously voted to approve as written the Minutes of the May 23, 2012 Meeting of the Planning Board. No invoices were submitted for payment.
At 9:25 p.m., upon motion of Mr. Vignaly and second of Mr. Frieden, it was unanimously voted to adjourn.
Date Accepted:____________ By:_______________________________
Patrick McKeon, Clerk
Submitted By:_______________________
Susan Abramson
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