PLANNING BOARD MINUTES

February 27, 2008

 

APPROVED AS AMENDED & CLARIFIED:

3/26/08 jrl________

 

AGENDA:                   MINOR SITE PLAN:  86 SUMMER ST. PROF. LLC, 86 Summer St.,

                                                #114-048

                                    SUBDIVISION:  COREY & JODI JOHNSTON, 1151 Summer St.,

                                                #222-016 & -017

                                    COMPLIANCE HEARING:  JEREMY MITCHELL & PAUL MORRISSETTE,

                                                8 Central Square, #114-173

                                    CONTINUED SUBDIVISION:  HEMLOCK BROOK LLC, Lake St.,

                                                #205-017

                                    DAVE JEFFERS, SMART GROWTH

 

ATTENDING:             Dan Paradis (Chairman), Elizabeth Seeler (Vice Chairman), Steve Favorite

                                    Janice DellaCroce, Denice DeStefano, Clay Dingman, Don Milbrand                            

                                    Alternates:  Murray Campbell, Jerry McGwin

                                               

ABSENT:                    Alternates: Tom Babcock (ill), Bob Duquette, Don Martin (shoveling roof)

 

 OTHER:                      Public

 

 

The meeting opened at 7:00 pm. 

 

MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 13, 2008:  The following amendments and clarifications were made:  Page 1, last paragraph, 5th line, replace “they have two meters” with “they paid for two meters and have 3.” And replace “3rd” with “4th”. 

Page 2, 2nd paragraph, 1st line, replace “Fox Run Condos they have 1 meter for 12 units” with “Red Fox Condos has 1 meter in the largest condo for 12 units”.  2nd line, following “pays” insert “which are part of the unit owners’ monthly fees.”  Paragraph 4, 2nd line, replace “we paid” with “they paid” and “our plan” with “their plan”.  In the 5th line, replace “it” with “the survey” and “doing” with “granting”.  6th line, replace “this” with “the infringing area.”  Paragraph 5, at the end of the second sentence, insert “Mr. Morrissette stated that condo projects of less than 10 units do not require State approval.”

Page 3, 3rd paragraph, 1st line, between “that” and “this” insert “at this point”.  2nd line, insert “seem” before “make”.  3rd line, replace “determine this” with “determines the requirements for Subdivision have been fulfilled.”  5th line, following “that” insert “in his opinion” and following “sufficient” add “and that the waiver conditions in Section 7.6 have been met.”

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

 

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MINOR SITE PLAN REVIEW:  86 SUMMER ST. PROF. LLC

            No-one was present to represent this case.  The secretary reported that the Variance had been denied, therefore, the Board determined that the case has been withdrawn.

 

SUBDIVISION:  COREY & JODI JOHNSTON

            The secretary read the application, referral, abutters notified, where the hearing was advertised and that there were no phone calls or written responses received.  The Highway and Water/Sewer Depts. Are okay with this plan.  No answers were received from the Police or Fire Depts.

            Mr. Johnston stated that the property is at Fox Meadow Retirement.  It consists of 123.9 acres.  The lot with the retirement home now consists of 8 acres and will become 5.15 acres.  Lot #2 will be 47.37 acres, lot #3 – 59.81 and lot #4 – 11.57.  The topography slopes from North to South.  Kevin Morse is the Surveyor and Justin Ziemba the Wetland Scientist.  The driveway for lots #1 and #2 will be combined according to what the State will allow.  The driveway will be an access road of 2225 ft. in length. 

            Mr. Paradis asked if Mr. Johnston has spoken with Norm Skantze, Fire Chief, about this access road.  Mr. Johnston answered that he has not as he was under the impression that the different departments are notified of all cases coming before the Board.  Mr. Johnston then explained that there is a little strip of land along the east side of apparent frontage which belongs to Mr. Gilpatric and this is why he has provided frontage for lot #2 on the west side of lot #1 as well as on the east side of lot #1. 

            Mr. Paradis asked if Mr. Johnston intends on selling these lots.  Mr. Johnston plans on putting the driveway in and then see about selling.

            The checklist was then addressed:

Waivers were asked for #6 Scale, #14 topography greater than 2’ intervals (due to the size of the project), and #24 drainage (two lots will have one house on each and, if the driveway is put in, Mr. Johnston questioned if the Planning Board would want this).  Mr. Paradis wanted to revisit the culverts and the other conditions on adjacent tracts. 

            Mr. Johnston stated that there will be a ditch along the driveway to catch the run-off and, on the downhill side, sheeting will run to the culvert.  All will end up in the Pemigewasset River.  It is to be a gravel driveway which will need erosion control.

            Mr. Paradis asked for public comment and there was none.  The waivers were then addressed:

C. Dingman made a MOTION, second by E. Seeler, to WAIVE #14 TOPOGRAPHY.  The motion CARRIED.

E. Seeler made a MOTION, second by C. Dingman, to WAIVE #6 SCALE.  The motion CARRIED.

The Board then discussed #24 Drainage.  Ms. Seeler is concerned about the present house when the driveway is put in.  Mr. Johnston stated that the driveway will redirect the flow so that less will affect the house than what is there now.  A discussion followed and Mr. Johnston stated that he would have no problem if the Board would like a drainage study.  He explained that the ditch will be on the north side of the road so that nothing will cross over it from above.  Ms. Seeler asked about the additional drainage created by the use of the driveway and Mr. Johnston stated that he plans on crowning the driveway so as to go toward the ditch.

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JOHNSTON SUBDIVISION continued:

            Mr. Paradis asked about the right-of-way width on Peaked Hill and Mr. Johnston stated that he will find that.  Ms. DeStefano asked about the culvert sizes. 

            Mr. Paradis mentioned that we can waive #16 Site Inspection by the Board and #17 Review by engineer or other.  E. Seeler made a MOTION, second by C. Dingman, to WAIVE #16 SITE INSPECTION AND #17 REVIEW BY ENGINEER OR OTHER.  The motion CARRIED.

            E. Seeler made a MOTION, second by C. Dingman, to ACCEPT THE APPLICATION AS COMPLETE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF RECEIVING A DRAINAGE PLAN, CULVERT SIZES, AND THE RIGHT-OF-WAY WIDTH.  The motion CARRIED.

            C. Dingman made a MOTION, second by D. DeStefano, to CONTINUE THE SUBDIVISION OF COREY AND JODI JOHNSTON TO MARCH 26TH.  The motion CARRIED.

 

COMPLIANCE HEARING:  JEREMY MITCHELL/PAUL MORRISSETTE

            As no-one was present, D. DeStefano made a MOTION, second by J. DellaCroce, to CONTINUED THE COMPLIANCE HEARING TO MARCH 26TH AS A COURTESY.  The motion CARRIED.

 

CONTINUED SUBDIVISION:  HEMLOCK BROOK LLC

            Ms. DeStefano stepped down as her husband as realtor is involved with this case.  Mr. Campbell stepped in for her.

            Mr. Paradis read the abutter comments sent in by David Hill which address a buffer area along Hemlock Brook.  Mr. Paradis felt that Hemlock Brook is a wetland for which we already have setback regulations. 

            Bob Carpenter of Granite State Surveying was the representative for this case.  He explained that they are still in process with the State and would like to have the Board accept the application by the end of this evening.  He then presented a copy of the State Subdivision approval and Subdivision/topography/driveway plans.  Mr. Carpenter stated that they changed the contours between lot #17 and #17-7.  #17-5 has a little channel upstream of the catch basin.  Mr. Carpenter went over the drainage plan of both driveways and stated that they are set to meet with the State DOT on this next Monday.  He spoke of replacing the underdrain with perforated pipe from the new catch basin.  He is to pitch the driveway to the north side with a swale and then to the outlet at the catch basin.  Mr. Carpenter looked at lot 17-5 overall and said that he wants to try to control the sheet flow.  He is proposing a shallow berm (lot 17-6 to the other drive.  There will be another swale at the second drive and also along the side of the road (Route 104).  This will be a grass-lined swale.  Mr. Paradis asked if it will ultimately end in the brook and Mr. Carpenter answered that it shall but very slowly.  With lot #17-5, there will be a berm by the road to the lot.

            Ms. Seeler felt that she was not qualified to assess the drainage.  Mr. Paradis felt that we might be okay by accepting what DOT approves.  He personally feels okay with whatever the State allows where this is only a 4-lot subdivision.  Mr. Campbell agreed.  Mr. Milbrand felt that it is an improvement and that the DOT  plan has addressed the concerns across the street.  Mr. Paradis felt that the abutter letter should be looked at after we accept the application as complete.

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HEMLOCK BROOK LLC SUBDIVISION continued:

Mr. Paradis read the condition listed on the State Subdivision approval concerning wetlands.  Mr. Carpenter stated that they have no plans to change the wetlands.

C. Dingman made a MOTION, second by D. Milbrand, to APPROVE THE APPLICATION AS COMPLETE PENDING RECEIPT OF THE DOT PERMIT.  The motion CARRIED.

Mr. Paradis looked up the 6.12 drainage plan requirements.  Mr. Carpenter stated that they shall have more detailed plans.  Ms. DellaCroce asked if the Board can get copies of the new plans earlier than the next hearing date and was told that they can. 

E. Seeler made a MOTION, second by J. DellaCroce, to CONTINUE THE SUBDIVISION OF HEMLOCK BROOK LLC TO MARCH 26TH.  The motion CARRIED.

Mr. Campbell stepped back down and Ms. DeStefano returned to the table.

 

DAVE JEFFERS, SMARTGROWTH

            Mr. Jeffers, of LRPC, introduced Carol Foss of the Audubon Society of NH.  He explained that they have discretional funding to work with communities on their Master Plans, Subdivision/Site Plan Regulations, Zoning Ordinances, etc. in conjunction with smart growth.  He has come in to talk with this Planning Board to see if the Town of Bristol would support this.  Part of what they do is a narrative, part is a matrix, and to provide in electronic format for the town to review and maybe make changes.  Ms. Corrow, Town Manager, indicated that Bristol might be interested.  Mr. Jeffers and Ms. Foss have come in to see if Bristol still wishes to move forward with this plan.  The Audubon Society is interested in sharing in this in a joint effort with parallel audits. 

            Mr. Paradis asked if they would have specific recommendations.  Mr. Jeffers answered that they worked with Barnstead last year.  There is a summary, goals and objectives, statements contrary to this and an analysis that is somewhat general.  They give recommendations.  Mr. Paradis felt that specifics would be helpful.  Mr. Carpenter stated that, in the process, there is communication between them and the town through the Planning Board and the community.  Ms. Foss added that they give specific suggestions and then sample language.

            Ms. DellaCroce asked what the Planning Board is to do for their part.  Mr. Jeffers distributed a list of things and said that he does a lot of homework by looking at our documents on-line, for example.  He will send in a draft report before our May meeting.  Ms. DeStefano asked how we get community input.  Mr. Jeffers stated that we invite the community to the 2nd or 3rd meetings.  He added that, in the past, they have worked with the Planning Board.  Ms. Foss asked if we could advertise this on the web site and it was thought that it could be.  A discussion followed as to news releases in such papers as the Newfound Voice and the Enterprise.

            The Board then went over the list of items that Mr. Jeffers had distributed.  It was determined that we would be interested in all 8 subjects.  Mr. Paradis added that the Board has also submitted an application for a Design Charrette with PlanNH.

 

 

 

 

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SMARTGROWTH continued:

            Ms. DellaCroce asked how the wildlife comes into this and Ms. Foss answered that she will submit separate potential revisions.  Some suggestions will apply to both aspects.  If they suggest 30 changes and the Board feels that they can only do 5, then a choice of priority enters in.  Mr. Jeffers added that there is no cost to this.  Ms. Foss said that it is that the Planning Board provide their time basically.  Everyone was in favor of doing this.

            Ms. DellaCroce asked if they will be sending correspondence by e-mail.  Mr. Paradis felt it best if Mr. Jeffers sends the e-mail to him and he will forward it to the members of the Board.  Mr. Favorite asked how they did with Barnstead and Mr. Jeffers thought that they did very well.  Mr. Paradis explained that we re-did the Master Plan 5 years ago and have added a Recreation section.  The Historical section is the oldest and is in need of revision.

            Ms. Foss and Mr. Jeffers were thanked for coming in.

 

COMMUNICATIONS:

            Everyone received a copy of the OEP Annual Spring Planning & Zoning Conference applications.  Mr. Paradis gave the ad for the North Country RC & D workshop on NH Wood Biomass Hearing Project to Mr. Favorite for the Selectmen.  He then read the DES copy of a letter to Frank & Shirley Bednaz which shall be placed in their file.  The Development Activity in the Lakes Region report will be in the office for anyone who wishes to look it over.

 

REPORTS:

DOWNTOWN:  No meeting held at this time.

 

HISTORIC DISTRICT:  Mr. Dingman explained that they met last Monday for two hearings both of which have been continued to March 19th as no-one had shown up.  The two are for the Town Crier sign in the square and for Jerome Nialetz for a sign for the diner.

 

SELECTMEN:  Mr. Favorite reported that they held a public hearing on the warrant articles which include Sewer to the Lake and the Police/Town Office plan.  They are looking into energy for the future buildings and are also looking to regional work of the EMT with Bridgewater.

 

CIP:  Mr. Campbell reported that they have amended their cover letter and are revising forms for the forthcoming year.  They are in limbo until after Town Meeting.

 

PLAN NH:  Mr. Paradis reported that he has sent the original application to them and that he has a copy (minus the current Downtown section of the Master Plan) for any of the members to look at.

Mr. Favorite thanked Mr. Dingman and Mr. Paradis for their efforts and Mr. Paradis also thanked Ms. DellaCroce and Mr. Campbell for the pictures that they took.

 

 

 

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OTHER BUSINESS:

            Mr. Favorite stated that, at a meeting he went to, Linda Normandin asked if those employed in town have to live in town.  She added that the work force is shifting north but work is still down below.  Buses and vans are pulling people in to make up the work force.  We haven’t reached equitable pay in this area.  Mr. Favorite added that rents of $1017.00 a month for a 2-bedroom with no heat was average.  There is a grant of $9,000 to study housing.  Bristol does not have much area for more housing.  We probably cannot incorporate what is called Mountain Zoning (4 acre minimums on steep slopes).  Mr. Paradis added that medium housing right now is set at about $250,000.  Mr. Favorite stated that this was available but has started to drop quickly.  Mr. Paradis said that some say it is just leveling off. 

 

TERM RENEWALS:

The secretary reported that Ms. DellaCroce’ and Mr. Dingman’s terms are up for renewal.  Both expressed that they are interested in serving another term.  This is to be relayed to the Selectmen for consideration.

 

NEXT MEETING:  Due to town meeting, the next meeting of the Board will be held on March 26th.  To date besides the cases continued this evening, there is a minor site plan for Peff Corp., a subdivision for 2C Properties LLC, and a site plan and merger for SNHS Bristol Elderly.  It will also be time to elect officers again and to check our bylaws for changes.

 

With no other business, C. Dingman made a motion, second by D. DeStefano, to adjourn at 9:25 pm.

 

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

                                                                        Jan Laferriere, secretary