Planning Board

Minutes

February 28, 2008

Official as of May 22, 2008

The meeting is called to order at 7:01 p.m. by Nikki Roy.

PRESENT: Vice-chair Nikki Roy, Selectmen Representative Ken Curley, Joanne Carette, Alternate Victoria Parmele, Board Administrator Linda Smith, and Board Secretary Lisa Fellows-Weaver. Pete Jones arrives at 7:02.

Mr. Curley makes a motion, second by Ms. Carette, to appoint Nikki Roy as the acting chair. Motion passes; 3/0/1. Nikki Roy abstains.

VOTING DESIGNATION: Nikki Roy, Ken Curley, Joanne Carette, and Alternate Victoria Parmele. Pete Jones 7:02.

ABSENT: Chairman Eric Reitter, George Jabre, Robert Fletcher and Alternate Roger LeClerc. 

Public Hearing on Proposed Changes to Site Plan Review Regulations:
 1. Section IX B. Architectural Design
 2. Section IX D. Stormwater Drainage
 3. Section IX H. Off-Street Parking and Loading
 4. Section IX K. Landscaping

Ms. Roy opens the public hearing for the site plan review regulations and notes that the regulations were posted at the town hall, post office, library, and in the Suncook Sun. Discussions are held as follows:

Section II Purpose
Amend section generally by editing and adding language to recognize historic areas and buildings with mixed uses, rural landscapes and natural and cultural resources and tying objectives to the purpose. No discussion is held.

Section IV Applicability
B. Application Submittal and Review: language added to require major site plans to submit a landscape plan in application. No discussion is held.

Section VII Site Plan Requirements
A. Add new section (6) to specify information to be provided with landscape plan. No discussion is held.

Section IX Design Standards and Required Improvements
B. Appearance Review section to be amended substantively to Architectural Design Review. General guidelines/criteria section added which includes provisions for reuse of existing structures with special architectural, historical, cultural or contextual value, and for building design to blend with natural and manmade features within or around the site. Proposed designs for national and regional chain businesses will be evaluated for compatibility with our community character and these regulations. Building siting characteristics are identified. Architectural design standards identified to affect roofs, exterior building materials, architectural details, accessory structures and fencing.

Adrianna Haige, 11 Church Street, asks how this will affect properties and asks if this is an ongoing problem. Ms. Parmele explains that the proposal will stabilize and improve qualities of structures and values. She adds that with quality buildings and designs, it keeps the values up, draws local businesses and will promote economic development. Ms. Roy adds that this will maintain the character of the town.

D. Storm Water Drainage to be amended significantly. Stormwater management plans to be required.  Infiltration structures are added as a possibility for storm water management. Sections proposed to be added to address Pre-and Post-Development Flow, Groundwater recharge, water quality, land uses with higher potential pollutant loads, maintenance and reclamation, redevelopment and reuse.

Mr. Vaillancourt, 34 Cove Way, asks how the document will coincide with the Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act (CSPA) which takes affect in April and if the proposed will be within the same concept. He notes that Northwood is the headwater for 3 rivers. Ms. Parmele states that the CSPA and the proposed document were not developed together; however, are similar and based on the same standards with water quality in mind. Ms. Roy states that the water resources committee worked with a document that was put together through a grant that the town received. Stone Environmental put this document together after reviewing the town’s regulations. Ms. Roy notes that these regulations are for commercial properties and multi family residential properties; major and minor site plans. Ms. Roy adds that the planning board does not have any jurisdiction over individual property owners; that is the job description of the building department and code enforcement.

General discussion ensues regarding concern of runoff into Northwood Lake.

Further discussion is held regarding the development on private roads and possible impacts. Ms. Roy states that single family residential property is not part of this regulation.

Ms. Roy states that the water resources committee has an ongoing agenda and would appreciate any additional help as they pursue other issues.

H. Off-Street Parking and Loading section to be amended generally. Landscaping and stormwater management issues are incorporated in this section. Design considerations to be added; parking standards for number of spaces and loading requirements are revised. Standard and compact car dimensions are identified. No discussion is held.

K. Landscaping section to be amended substantively. A purpose statement is proposed to “establish practices and procedures to insure that new landscapes promote a healthy environment.” Proposed landscape amendments proposed to apply to major site plans only. General requirements to include protection of existing plantings wherever feasible. Buffer zone requirement to increase from 10 to 20 feet and are to be maintained as an integral part of the landscape.  Landscape requirements for parking lots are identified, specifying perimeter and interior requirements depending on the number and formation of spaces.  Suitable plant materials and installation requirements are identified. Applicants required to submit a maintenance plan. Inspection to be required for certificate of occupancy.

Mr. Vaillancourt requests a definition of landscape. Mary Tebo notes that throughout the section there are certain areas with specific definitions per specific areas. Mr. Vaillancourt states that he feels that landscaping should include natural plantings and be as close to what would exist naturally. Ms. Roy states that the board has discussed this and the board is trying to get the best landscaping as possible. She adds that the board is also trying not to overburden the applicants. 
 
Also mentioned is the definition of snow storage. Ms. Roy states that these regulations are only relative to commercial and multi family residences. She explains that when the plans come into the board, the board insures the safety of the patrons and residents using the property.

Mary Tebo states that the committee is still working as there is much work to be done and issues that need to be addressed.

With no further discussion, Ms. Roy closes the public hearing at 7:30 p.m.

OTHER BUSINESS:
Board Administrator’s Comments
RSA 674:41
Ms. Smith notes that the ZBA will be holding a public meeting Monday, March 3 at 7:00 p.m. with their counsel Jed Callen relative to state statute 674:41. She explains that the informational session will be geared towards what the ZBA’s responsibilities are. Mr. Jones volunteers to attend the meeting as a planning board representative.
 
Storm Water Management
Ms. Smith states that the she has spoken to Mr. Reitter who has expressed some concern regarding the fact that there may not be a gain passed on to the site development or any need for the requirement of the 100 year storm event. Mr. Reitter had suggested that a work session be scheduled to discuss the matter and if the board really wants to pass on the cost to the applicant. Ms. Smith adds that Mr. Reitter had noted that the detention ponds of several newly developed properties were able to absorb the runoff during the previous storms (100 year storm events) the last two years and the runoff was handled by the existing systems. 

Draft Letter on Proposed Ordinance Changes
The board reviewed the draft document provided by the town planner. After review, Mr. Curley makes a motion, second by Ms. Parmele, to approve the document as amended, and send to the Suncook Sun and Forum. Motion passes unanimously; 5/0. 

Requests for Qualifications
Ms. Smith provides copies of the RFQ’s for Shoreland Protection and Stormwater Technology. She notes that any contacts should come through the planning office directly to the board administrator. The board agrees that the contact information should be amended to note her contact information.

Discussion ensues regarding the fact that it appears that the RFQ’s overlap some information. Further review of the documents is held with general discussion. Ms. Smith notes that the planning board will need to vote on the firm for the RFQ. The board agrees to review and discuss at the work session scheduled for March 4.

Candidates Night
Ms. Roy and Mr. Jones will represent the planning board regarding the proposed ordinances at candidates night this year scheduled for March 5.

OLD CASES:
CASE: 07-10: Sarah & Emily Low, First NH Tpke. Map 221; Lot 40. Subdivision of 100 Acs. to create 69.972 Ac. back lot for conservation and water resource protection purposes. Conditional approval 5/24/07. (Review conditions and legal comments) Ms. Smith states that nothing new has been received from town counsel.
 
REVIEW OF CORRESPONDENCE:
Ms. Weaver notes that the registration information for the Office of Energy and Planning Spring Conference was emailed to members. Ms. Parmele states that she would like to attend.

Motion to adjourn is made by Ms. Parmele and seconded by Ms. Roy. Motion passes unanimously; 5/0

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa Fellows-Weaver
Board Secretary