MINUTES OF THE PLANNING BOARD MEETING
DECEMBER 12, 2012
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Marc Frieden, Chris Olson, Patrick McKeon, Karen Paré, Vincent Vignaly
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Chris Rucho
All documents referenced in these Minutes are stored and available for public inspection in the Planning Board office, 127 Hartwell Street
VOTE TO APPROVE: TOWN’S MITIGATION PLAN
The Town Administrator has requested that the Planning Board review the town’s proposed Mitigation Plan. Mr. Vignaly commented that the federal government is encouraging the development of these plans through FEMA. The difficulties lie in the ability of the town to implement the plan. Ms. Paré noted that there are areas which need to be more specific and clearer, such as Item B. 5. which discusses local “PDM” plans. PDM plans are not defined. The role of the Planning Board is questionable in educating the community in combating “complacency” and fostering “individual responsibility for mitigating disaster impacts”. Under the section on “Planning”, Mr. Vignaly noted that some of the actions can be incorporated into the Open Space and Recreation
Plan. Under “Regulatory Actions”, Mr. Vignaly noted that number 23. has already been completed. The adoption of underground utility requirements is already part of the town’s Subdivision Regulations. Number 25. under “Regulatory Actions” requires the “consideration of downstream flooding impacts caused by new projects”. This action takes place already during Site Plan Review. Mr. Vignaly noted that the Zoning Bylaws could make it clearer who actually enforces the prevention of these negative impacts. Upon motion of Ms. Paré and Mr. McKeon, it was unanimously voted to support and approve the proposed Mitigation Plan. Mr. Frieden will send an email to the Town Administrator informing him of the Board’s vote to approve.
Minutes of the Planning Board Meeting 2.
December 12, 2012
VOTE TO APPROVE: PLANNING BOARD CALENDAR FOR 2013
Upon motion of Mr. McKeon and second of Mr. Olson, it was unanimously voted to approve the Planning Board’s Meeting Calendar for 2013, as prepared by Ms. Abramson.
DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED BUDGET FOR PLANNING BOARD FOR FY 14
The Town Administrator has requested that departments and boards submit their budget requests to him by January 9, 2013. He has requested a level funded and level services budget projection. He is interested in how a 1% COLA will impact the budget. Ms. Abramson and Mr. Vignaly will prepare the requested information.
OLD BUSINESS
242 Woodland Street: Mr. Frieden has agreed to meet with the developer, Mr. Conger, and his engineer on Saturday to discuss outstanding issues at the site which need to be resolved, such as the need for a guard rail. Ms. Paré advised Mr. Frieden to rely on the list of recommendations provided by VHB. Ms. Paré discussed her disappointment that the developer was granted a temporary occupancy permit and agreed to meet with Mr. Gaumond and Mr. Brodeur to discuss the matter. There needs to be consistency in the treatment of all applicants, Mr. Vignaly stated. It would help matters if the Planning Board could receive a copy of any temporary permit. Mr. McKeon reiterated that the Board should receive all anticipated inspection costs up front, based on the scope of the job and a figure from
VHB. It may be that the inspection costs need to be increased, he stated. If the applicant does not call for inspections, then the funds designated for that purpose will be forfeited. The Fee Schedule can be updated, Mr. Vignaly stated, and additional terms added to the conditions of the Approval. Mr. Vignaly requested that Mr. Frieden inform Conger that VHB will have to go back and inspect again to make sure that the additional required changes have been satisfactorily completed. Mr. Vignaly asked that Mr. Frieden email Mr. Gaumond and Mr. Brodeur to request a follow-up meeting and to make sure that the Planning Board receives a copy of any permit issued following Site Plan or Subdivision Review.
Clinton Savings Bank: Ledge was encountered during construction, so the rain garden needed to be relocated. The plan was redesigned with the revised location and submitted to the Planning Board for review. This was considered a minor change by the Planning Board, which can be shown on the as-built plan. Mr. Vignaly will send an email to Mr. Oliva and Mr. Hayward to let them know that the Board discussed the matter and approved the change, with the understanding that the change will be shown on the as-built plan.
DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED CHANGES TO SIGN BYLAW
Ms. Paré requested that everyone on the Board review the latest revision and make a list of those items remaining to be addressed. Work needs to be done on the content and
Minutes of the Planning Board Meeting 3.
December 12, 2012
consistency shown throughout the document. Ms. Paré will email copies of the latest draft so members can work on their list before the January meeting. Mr. Vignaly queried whether the Zoning Bylaws can require that billboards apply for a new permit every five years.
REPORTS FROM OTHER BOARDS
Central 13 Prioritization Project: Mr. Vignaly has been attending meetings conducted by CMRPC where the prioritization projects for towns have been proposed and discussed. West Boylston’s issues are the Hartwell Street proposed development area (connection to Route 140); the Route 12 corridor development; Route 190 limited commercial area; the Worcester Corporate Center; Town Center (Village development) and the Baldarelli gravel pits (which could be a location for light retail). Topics such as sewer infrastructure improvements; the widening of Route 140 with signage improvements and the expansion to Sterling of the Mass Central Rail Trail are regional in nature.
Transportation: Uses for Chapter 90 funds were discussed. Drainage problems will be addressed as soon as possible. Problem intersections were also discussed and a meeting with the Police Chief was suggested. Intersections at Routes 140 and 12; Route 140 and Franklin Street and Prospect and Woodland Streets are all dangerous. Priorities will be sent to the Department of Transportation and to CMRPC.
Conservation Committee: Baldarelli Bros. filed a Notice of Intent with the Conservation Commission. Mr. Vignaly stated that, as a member of the Earth Removal Board, he was informed that Baldarelli wants to take 140,000 yards of gravel from behind two houses on Laurel Street. Mr. Vignaly responded to the application to the Earth Removal Board with comments that the location is in an aquifer protection area and no earth removal is allowed within 15’ of the high groundwater grade.
PAYMENT OF INVOICES/REVIEW OF DRAFT MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 14, 2012
An invoice was approved for payment for engineering review services to VHB. Upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. McKeon, it was unanimously voted to approve as written the Minutes of the November 14, 2012 Meeting.
At 8:50 p.m., upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. McKeon, it was unanimously voted to adjourn.
Date Accepted:______________ By:_________________________________
Patrick McKeon, Clerk
Submitted By:______________________
Susan Abramson
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