PLANNING BOARD MINUTES

October 10, 2007

 

APPROVED as AMENDED & CLARIFIED:

10/24/07 jrl_________

 

AGENDA:                   PCC:  JEREMY MITCHELL & PAUL MORRISSETTE, 8 Central Square,

                                                #114-173

                                    PCC:  JEFF SHACKETT, West Shore Road, #109-030

CIP PRESENTATION

                                               

ATTENDING:             Dan Paradis (Chairman), Elizabeth Seeler (Vice-Chrm.), Steve Favorite (Sel. Rep.), Janice DellaCroce, Denice DeStefano.  Alternates:  Murray Campbell, Jerry McGwin.

                                               

ABSENT:                    Clay Dingman (away), Don Milbrand (away).  Alternates: Tom Babcock (death in family), Bob Duquette, Don Martin (conflict).

 

 OTHER:                      -----

 

 

The meeting opened at 7:00 pm.  Mr. Campbell and Mr. McGwin filled in for Mr. Dingman and Mr. Milbrand. 

 

PCC:  JEREMY MITCHELL & PAUL MORRISSETTE

            Mr. Mitchell stated that they are waiting for their survey to be done and then they will be in for their Condo conversion/Subdivision.  Due to problems with boundaries, they must have the whole block of buildings surveyed.  Mr. Paradis explained that they must have the survey which is then recorded; the State law is more elaborate than ours.  We need to be sure that the Fire Department is satisfied, that there are adequate Condo. docs., and that it meets our checklist.  Mr. Paradis mentioned a previous condo conversion that was just done and they only asked for a couple of waivers that were irrelevant.  Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Morrissette will need the State law to conform to, as well.  Mr. Morrissette stated that they looked into that and much of it applies only when you have 10 or more condos.  Ms. DeStefano mentioned that they may have to do this to go with the docs. for the registry.

            Mr. Mitchell asked about the parking aspect.  Mr. Morrissette added that the Selectmen waived some in the Central Square.  Jeff Goodrum, owner of a building around the corner, but abutting their property in back, showed them where he thinks the property lines are.  They can get only 2 or 2 ½ spaces on their lot.  Mr. Goodrum has been great and they have access across the back of his lot but he needs clearance in the area where he has a rear exit door.  He asked if a Variance will also be needed.

            Mr. Paradis asked Selectman Favorite about the Central Sq. parking and Mr. Favorite stated that they can use the public parking in the middle of Central Square but must move to a municipal parking lot during snowstorms.  He will get a copy of the Selectmen’s decision.

 

 

 

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PCC:  MITCHELL & MORRISSETTE continued:

            Mr. Morrissette stated that if they sell the apartments, the sale will be subject to the approval of the condominium.  Mr. Paradis stated that they can sell with non-binding agreements which bind neither the buyer nor the seller.  He advised Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Morrissette to go down the subdivision list.

 

PCC:  JEFF SHACKETT

            Mr. Paradis explained that when he first thought about Mr. Shackett’s plan and wrote a letter to him, he had addressed it as a site plan instead of the subdivision that was done.  He called the NH Municipal Association and their lawyer felt that the numbering change was significant enough to bring Mr. Shackett back in to us.  Ms. Montague, Land Use Officer, then sent a letter also referring to it as a site plan.  Mr. Shackett stated that he was not trying to get away with anything; that he did not understand why a numbering change would be considered significant.  Right now, this is preventing him from getting his building permit. 

            Mr. Shackett presented two plans:  one was the plan that the Planning Board had signed and the other was a changed plan (eliminating the division to two units of the existing house and renumbering the rest) which was recorded with the condo docs.  Mr. Shackett would like to get his building permit so that he could get started on the next unit before it gets too cold.  He promised that he will get the numbering situation corrected.  He asked what if he went back to the original plan.  Mr. Paradis felt that this would help.  Mr. Shackett stated that he would rather sell the existing house as a single family home. 

            Ms. DeStefano asked if the appendix changed and Mr. Shackett answered in the affirmative.  Ms. DeStefano stated that she would like to take this back to Bernie Waugh, town attorney, as Mr. Waugh had advised the Planning Board not to be too concerned with the condo docs. as they could be changed.  She said that we could run into this problem in the future, as well. 

            Mr. Paradis felt that if they hold a hearing change, the abutters would have to be re-notified.  He is not sure that the need is carved in stone but Ms. Montague got Mr. Shackett’s attention to get him in to see us.  Mr. Paradis thought that maybe the lawyers should talk.  Ms. DeStefano felt that we still need an answer from Mr. Waugh. 

            Mr. Shackett stated that he could go back to the original plan and asked what happens if he just doesn’t put in unit #2.  A discussion was held in which this has happened in the past and it was generally felt that this might be best.

            Mr. Paradis asked the Board what they thought about his talking to Ms. Montague about releasing the building permit.  The Board agreed to this and Mr. Paradis will notify Mr. Waugh, as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 26, 2007:

            The following amendments were made:  Page 2, 1st paragraph, 2nd line, replace “a dossett” with “adopted”.  Paragraph 2, 3rd line, replace “is in the State” with “reflects the State”.  Page 3, under COMMUNICATIONS, 1st line, replace “There was a lot” to “There were a lot”.  A discussion was held as to the page 4 spelling of “Burough bridge” (under SELECTMEN, 2nd line) and, as no-one knew the correct spelling, it was decided to leave it alone.

            E. Seeler made a motion, second by D. DeStefano, to accept the minutes as amended.  The motion carried.

 

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM (CIP) PRESENTATION:

            Mr. Campbell, Chairman of the CIP, distributed copies of the FY2008-FY2017 plan.  He explained that a couple of changes have been brought to their attention:  two items, Bourough bridge and Smith River.  These must be in the 2008 budget per Ms. Corrow, town manager.   

            At this time, Mr. Campbell went over the plan booklet beginning with the introduction which explains the history of the CIP, what it does, what this committee sees as the definition of a capital project, and the committee’s first task of developing a plan for the capital needs for the next 10 years.

            The next page explains the historical record of capital expenses, including population data and followed by 1997-2006 historical data of capital expenses.  Mr. Campbell stated that the figures are to the best of the committee’s ability as, with many changes of town administrators, the method of recording was not consistent.

            Following figure A & B (historical capital expenditures) were figures C, D & E.  These pages are graphs of the capital share of tax (%) from 1997-2006, the net capital expenses for those years, and the grand total expenses for those years.

            The next section is the CIP committee plan report (figure G) and the Town of Bristol Capital Improvements Plan presented by the Town Manager (figure H).  Both are for the years 2008-2017.

Mr. Campbell explained that the committee was most concerned with the year 2008, knowing that they can re-examine the other years in the future.  He stated that the committee had held 2008 to a 41 cent increase but this has changed due to the two items and is now at 67 cents.  Mr. Paradis explained that the committee had hoped to spread these costs out over the years.

            Mr. Campbell continued by saying that the committee met with Ms. Corrow and the Dept. Heads on town needs and received suggestions from various residents.  We determined not to include the school figures at this time. 

            The next five pages were looked at.  These pages explain the CIP proposal decisions for 2008. 

Ms. DellaCroce noted that the committee moved the Transfer station improvements to 2009 instead of 2010.  A discussion was held about the tanker-pumper.  Ms. Seeler felt that we shall need more money to buy the item by the time we have saved enough.  Mr. Paradis stated that the committee was not consistent on inflation adjustments but felt that they would be addressing the plan for any fine-tuning next year.  He added that the police cruiser is to be purchased each year, not placed in a capital reserve fund, the police building is to be $70,000 in 2008 and then the balance done by a bond. 

 

 

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CIP continued:

            Mr. Paradis added to the section on the new storage tank by saying that the population growth is more from folks not on the water system.  Mr. Favorite would like to know if the existing tank was rated for a population of 5,000 or 8,000.  He felt that this is something to think about also.  Mr. Favorite was asked about the Town Communications Reserve and he stated that our analog tower will be dropped by Plymouth as they are going digital.  It is a revenue producing tower, he added.

            The last page consists of a list of items received on CIP Project Request Forms.  Mr. Paradis suggested that the CIP committee schedule a meeting 15 minutes before the next Planning Board committee meeting so as to give final approval of needed minor changes before the Planning Board gives its’ final approval.  Mr. Paradis also gave Ms. Corrow credit for her part in getting the CIP going.

            Mr. Favorite asked what education/P.R. is to be done.  Mr. Campbell felt that it should be placed in the newspaper and the Newfound Voice.  Mr. Favorite suggested the web site.  Mr. Campbell stated that the CIP is an advisory group only.  Information can’t wait until town meeting if we want it passed.  Mr. Campbell feels that this is up to the Selectmen to do.  Mr. Paradis stated that the CIP committee does want to communicate with the Selectmen and the Budget Committee.  He continued by saying that the committee addressed the needs without agendas.  He personally would have liked to see a skateboard park but that did not get on.  Mr. Paradis added that they did try to emphasize to the Departments that they should continue to seek grants. 

            Ms. Seeler asked how flexible the CIP committee is.  She asks this as a Trustee of Trust Funds and pointed out that in the recent past, Capital Reserve accounts had low interest and it was better to go lease-to-buy.  Mr. Paradis felt that he has shopped for rates and we could always do better than inflation.  Ms. Seeler stated that the Trustees get a list of investments that are allowed to be used.   Mr. Paradis did not think that this is a big factor.  He feels we can sell the plan better at town meeting by setting up Capital Reserve accounts.  Ms. DeStefano felt that if we don’t set up these accounts, the people will question why we aren’t planning better.

            Mr. Campbell suggested that we get the information out by advertising.  Mr. Favorite thought that just a sheet (white paper) explaining what was voted, how a CIP had previously been tried to get started and that now it has come a good way.  Mr. Paradis stated that what happens in the future will depend on how this plan is received.  He mentioned that, in the future, we could add the school figures, set priorities, and add the Water/Sewer projects. 

            Ms. DeStefano suggested that the committee develop key points of frequently asked questions and give the answers on the web site.  Mr. Campbell stated that he would be willing to work with Mr. Favorite on this.  Mr. Paradis felt that, ideally, a CIP public hearing should be held.  This is recommended by Chapter VI, but we don’t have time this year.  Mr. McGwin asked why we just don’t present this again and film it for TV.  The Board felt that this is a good idea.  Mr. Paradis mentioned that when the committee presents the CIP to the Selectmen, it will be taped. 

 

EXCAVATION WORKSHOP:

            Mr. Paradis asked if the Board wanted to work on the Excavation plan.  He had initially thought it a good idea as the agenda was light, but it filled in.  The Board determined to leave this to the next workshop.

 

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COMMUNICATIONS:

            The communications were looked at.  When discussing Swiss Village (a hard copy of Atty. Waugh’s e-mail), it was mentioned that Swiss Village seems to be planning on changing to a 2 unit condo.

 

REPORTS:

DOWNTOWN:  Mr. Favorite stated that they are to meet next Wednesday.

 

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION (HDC):

            Mr. Dingman had e-mailed his report as he is away on a business trip.  He explained that there was a hearing last night for signage at 8 Central Square which was continued to Nov. 13th.  He also mentioned the importance of having a full-time Land Use Officer.  The HD Commission is scheduled to meet with the Selectmen on Nov. 8th.  They also discussed at length the lack of enforcement with signage in the Historic District.

 

SELECTMEN:

            Mr. Favorite stated that they held a hearing on the snowmobile trail future usage on the bike path.  Some were against and a compromise was met as the path was placed over a previous snowmobile trail.  The Plymouth snowmobile club is putting up the money to cover any damage.  They are also planning on signs for speed reduction.

            Mr. Favorite added that the Selectmen also discussed Swiss Village and the section of the beach that they have now claimed and the Grafton County budget.  He told them that our excavation plan is done.  They are to hold a hearing on the Avery/Crouse beach on Oct. 25th.  Each of the Selectmen brought in a list of goals and were surprised to find that some have been accomplished without trying.

 

CIP:

            Mr. Campbell wishes to pursue the idea of getting the information out to the public. 

 

SURVEY:

Mr. Paradis read the e-mail from Mr. Dingman:  the survey is activated and we have had 10 responses already.  There is a link on the Town’s website.  Ms. Alpers has advertised it on the public access channel.  He is asking Mr. Paradis to write the press release.  The on-line survey is live until Nov. 1st.  After that, the survey can stay live in order for us to input the written responses.  Ms. Heaney has volunteered to help with getting these on.  If there are any problems while he is away, Ms. Heaney will troubleshoot for us.  He has viewed the hard copies (in the secretary’s office) and feels that they are alright.  When he returns he can run 100 or so if he gets the paper from the office.

Mr. Paradis explained that there has been one financial snag in that Mr. Dingman thought that the notification cards would be 26 cents for postage.  In actuality, they are 41 cents.  Mr. Paradis thinks we shall have just enough left in our Excavation budget.  Mr. Paradis had distributed copies of the press release that he had drawn up.  The Board felt that it was fine and he shall see that it goes out tomorrow.

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OTHER: 

Mr. Favorite stated that a Police Station meeting was held last night (only 3 attended).

As an update, he explained that they are looking at a couple of options:  at the Old Town Hall, they can either raise the building and dig down underneath it for the town offices or obtain some of the property to the right, put in a basement and a building above to attach to the old section.  Another thought is to go out to the sidewalk of this building (present Police Station and Town Office) to supply room for the Town Office and keep the Police here.

Mr. Favorite added that they will soon go to a general contractor for costs.  They have already negotiated for the lot behind the Old Town Hall for access from Winter Street.  The back of the present Police/Town Office building is dead due to the excavation problems.  As a last ditch, they might consider the NAPA building for a town office.

 

NEXT MEETING:

            The next meeting will be on October 26, 2007 and is to be a workshop on excavations as well as for finalizing the CIP.

 

            With no other business, E. Seeler made a motion, second by J. McGwin, to adjourn at 9:15 p.m.

 

 

                                                            Respectfully submitted,

                                                            Jan Laferriere, secretary