UNOFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED
Members present: Richard Bennett, Brooks Dodge, Betsey Harding, Willis Kelley, Sarah Kimball, Stephen Weeder and alternate John Fichera. Ira Lynn and Bob Dupuis had reported that they would be unable to attend the meeting.
Others attending: Peter Cooke of Omnipoint Holdings, Inc.; Jeff Hayes; and David Matesky.
Chairman Betsey Harding called the regular meeting of the Planning Board to order at 7:00 p.m. The minutes of the September 11 meeting were reviewed. No one had any corrections or additions to make. Sarah Kimball made the motion to accept the minutes as written. This was seconded by Bill Kelley and passed unanimously.
1. PUBLIC INPUT: David Matesky reported that he was here to represent the Rt. 16 Corridor Committee for the discussion about ordinance changes.
2. Peter Cooke of Omnipoint Holdings, Inc. presented a plan for a wireless communications system to be added to a stanchion on Black Mountain. John Fichera recused himself from participating as a Board member on this issue. Mr. Cooke explained that there were considerable engineering studies done to assure that the system could be added to an existing tower without problems. Dick Bennett asked about the assessment issue. He was assured that Omnipoint and the property owner, Black Mountain, had focused on that issue and taxes would be paid as billed. Dick Bennett asked about the electric service and the possibility of radiation. It was pointed out the plan is to use the existing electrical and phone service and there would be minimal radiation. These systems have been incorporated on
existing buildings and towers and have not presented a significant risk. Board members reviewed the application for compliance with regulations of Section 12 of the Zoning Ordinance; some sections cannot be complied with because of the co-location of the device on an existing stantion: a fall zone and fencing. The application complies with all other requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. The selectmen want a recommendation from the Planning Board on this application. A motion was made by Bill Kelley to recommend the plan. Brooks Dodge seconded the motion and this passed unanimously. Betsey will write the selectmen a letter informing them of the Planning Board’s recommendation.
3. Jeff Hayes presented for conceptual review a piece of property that he inherited from his grandparents. His older brother has a deeded easement for a dwelling on this property. He would prefer not to apply for a subdivision as he wants to retain the property in his name for homesteading purposes; however, eventually, he, his brother, and a child may seek to construct three residences on the property. He came to the Planning Board to seek advice on how to handle the property. An existing logging road on the parcel could be used as a driveway. Two dwellings on one driveway are currently allowed by the Zoning Ordinance; if a third dwelling is to be constructed, he would be willing to construct another entrance. It was suggested that he consider creating cluster development or PUD
for this parcel. As he was not planning to subdivide, it was suggested that he work through the selectmen’s office for the necessary permits.
4. Betsey Harding passed out copies of the 2003 Master Plan to members that did not have one. She reported that the plastic covers that were requested were omitted by the printing company, thereby lowering the cost by $200, for a total of less than $700. Sarah Kimball has reviewed the website presentation and reported that she was quite pleased.
5. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN: There was considerable discussion about how to proceed with our objective to update the Capital Improvement Plan. Betsey Harding reported that she has gathered lots of material on this from other communities and the North Country Council. It has been two years since our initial letter to Jackson’s department heads. She asked if we should simply update this letter, asking again for information. The Planning Board decided that we should contact the North Country Council for their advice on how to get started, and to see if they could provide guidance on preparation of a Capital Improvements Plan. Betsey will contact them.
6. CHECKLISTS: Stephen Weeder suggested that the Checklists be numbered. Board members agreed that numbering would facilitate the review process.
7. PUBLIC HEARING ON ORDINANCE CHANGES: Betsey Harding apologized for the hasty posting of the hearing notice and proposed changes, explaining concern expressed to her by area residents about certain issues. She had conferred with a selectman about the process, and concluded that a hearing could combine issues already of concern to the Board with others to be considered. Since the Board had requested volunteers to join committees to consider possible ordinance revisions, only two people responded. After considerable discussion, Board members decided to cancel the public hearing, needing more time to discuss these issues within the Board. A work session open to the public (but not necessarily for public comment) will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2003; work will be focused on Sections
1, 2, 3, 4A, and 15. We may ask the North Country Council circuit rider to attend a meeting concerning ordinance revisions.
At the November meeting, we will hold a Public Hearing on the proposed changes to the Subdivision Regulations.
There being no further business to bring before the meeting, Sarah Kimball made a motion to adjourn. This was seconded by Bill Kelley and voted unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 PM.
Recorded by:
Susan G. Way,
Secretary to the Planning Board
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