Planning Board

Minutes

November 13, 2008

Official as of January 8, 2009

Chair Nikki Roy calls the work session to order at 7:08 p.m. 

PRESENT: Chair Nikki Roy, Vice Chair Peter Jones, Roger LeClerc, Scott Campbell, Herb Johnson, and Town Planner Elaine Planchet. Selectmen Representative Ken Curley arrives at 7:13 p.m.

VOTING DESIGNATION: Nikki Roy, Peter Jones, Roger LeClerc, Scott Campbell, and Herb Johnson. Ken Curley 7:13.

ABSENT: George Jabre, Robert Fletcher and Alternates Victoria Parmele and Eric Reitter.

Water Resources Subcommittee
Presentation on Proposed Stormwater Management

Karen Smith, member of the water resource subcommittee, explains that in 2008 a grant was awarded to the Town of Northwood from the NH Estuaries Project.  She explains that the grant was divided into two projects; a follow up with the stormwater management plan that was done in 2007 and the second project is the work on the shoreland buffer ordinance. 

Water resources subcommittee Stormwater Management Presentation with TTG Consultants. Jim Spaulding of TTG Environmental Consultants is present along with Karen Smith.

Jim Spaulding has prepared a PowerPoint presentation and provides handouts to refer to for educational purposes.  Mr. Spaulding explains that there is a need for stormwater management in Northwood as there are water quality impacts. Mr. Spaulding proceeds through the presentation.  His presentation closely followed the handout, which is therefore attached by reference.  He provides a companion manual for the board as well.

Ms. Roy asks if the existing stormwater regulations were reviewed. Mr. Spaulding replies that they were, and adds that they are pretty good. He does not provide any recommendations. Further discussion is held regarding proposed rules.

Ms. Parmele and Ms. Roy thank Mr. Spaulding for a great presentation and for the useable format. In addition, Ms. Roy thanks Karen Smith for her continued hard work on these projects.

The group discussed adding Northwood’s existing stormwater recommendations to the subdivision regulations.
This presentation will be posted on the website.

A discussion is held regarding the buffer ordinance and timetable for finalizing zoning ordinance changes. Ms. Roy asks what the board would like to do regarding the proposed application of the Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act (CSPA) protections to streams: wait or proceed with implemention.

Lengthy discussion ensues and Mr. Jones states that he feels that the board should wait on proposing anything new with the CSPA. Karen Smith expresses benefit to implement this year. Mr. Jones notes that there may be additional changes with the CSPA next year and this will affect a large number of properties in town. Ms. Roy states that these water bodies in Northwood are not protected by the state and if Northwood values these waters then they need to be protected. Mr. Curley states that given the slow in the economy, it may be better to delay the implementation of any ordinances.

Ms. Planchet states that legislation has passed for workforce housing. She explains that all municipalities are required to review all regulations that the town adopted through RSA 674 and make sure the town has provided the opportunity for affordable housing. She wants to make sure that the town’s regulations and ordinances are meeting the state’s requirements and with the CSPA and further waterbody restrictions; these may affect the availability of property for this purpose.

Discussion continues.  The board decides that it would be appropriate to attempt an abbreviated implementation of the proposed buffer ordinance this year.  Ms. Parmele and Ms. Karen Smith will work on revisions and present a proposal to the board at the November 20 meeting.  January 9 is determined to be the last date for publishing proposed ordinances.

OTHER BUSINESS:
Capital Improvements Plan Update
Ms. Planchet states that she has received some information from the school.  There are still some departments that have not responded.

Work Force Housing
Ms. Planchet states that this review really needs to get done to ensure that the town is in compliance by July 2009. It does not need to be completed by that date; however, if not, a good faith effort needs to be shown. She adds that this will be a labor intensive project.

Staff discussion on Site Plan Amendments 11/17/08
Ms. Planchet states that a discussion will be held November 17 with Linda Smith, Dave Hickey, and herself to come up with a recommendation for the board for instances when an applicant or property owner would need to come to the board for changes to existing site plans. 

Low Update
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.
Ms. Planchet states that the conservation commission held their public hearing last night and the project will proceed further.  When all legal documents are finalized town counsel will notify the board that all legal conditions have been met. 

Outstanding Cases:
The board authorized Ms. Planchet to send out the six month conditional approval letter for Case 08-03: John Harvey House Properties, LLC, which was conditionally approved on 5/22/08.
The board authorized that a three month conditional approval letter be sent for Case 08-08: Misty Leah, LLC, which was conditionally approved on 8/11/08.

Carpooling to Concord
Ms. Planchet distributes information relative to a new program available for carpooling from Northwood to Concord.

Safe Routes to School
Ms. Planchet explains that there is a program for funding through a federal grant program that may fund sidewalks titled “Safe Routes to School.”

Ms. Roy provides an overview of the history of sidewalks for Northwood. She explains that at one time the board had requested funds at town meeting to allow the planning board to conduct a study for sidewalks in specific areas in town and was shot down. It was specifically to identify critical areas along Rte.4.
 
Mr. LeClerc asks if any follow up has been received from the counter top business on the corner of Main St. and Rte. 4. Ms. Planchet states that she spoke with Mr. Hickey.  He has gone over to check; Ms. Planchet will bring  information on his findings to the next meeting.
CASE 08-11:. David Docko-Millstone Realty Trust, 1090 First NH Turnpike. Map 217; Lot 35. Applicant seeks site plan amendment to add retails sales of materials (mulch, stone, etc.) on site. Property owned by Millstone Realty Trust, Jacqueline Docko. Application accepted as complete on 10/23/08; 65- day 12/27/08. Continued from 10/23/08.
Ms. Roy explains that the estimate for Docko has been received from Underwood Engineering. She explains that the process is for the engineering firm to review the material and provide an estimate. At that point the planning board requests the applicant to provide a check for the quoted amount and the funds are placed into an escrow account through the treasurer.

Ms. Roy states that she has reviewed the quote of $5,150., which seems high. Mr. Campbell suggests that she speak to Underwood and try to negotiate the price. She offers to talk to them and mentions that maybe the town should do another request for bid process. Mr. Curley notes that the selectmen have discussed going out to bid as they feel that the company is high and periodically it is good to do RFQ’s to make sure that the town is still receiving competitive prices. The board members agree to authorize Ms. Roy to speak to Underwood Engineering. 

Resignation
Ms. Roy reads a resignation letter she received from George Jabre dated 11/7/08. Mr. Curley makes a motion, second by Mr. Jones, to accept Mr. Jabre’s letter of resignation. Motion carries; 7/0. Ms. Roy requests that a letter be sent to Mr. Jabre notifying him that his resignation was accepted.

Membership
Ms. Roy notes that Mr. Jabre had suggested that the board consider nominating Eric Reitter to fill his position. She states that the idea is wonderful; however, Mr. Reitter is not able to make the commitment at this time. She explained that the board can consider current alternates or can advertise for additional members. Ms. Planchet states that the person that would be taking the vacant seat would only be on the board through March 2009.

A discussion is held regarding the differences between an alternate member and a regular member. Roger LeClerc makes a motion, second by Herb Johnson, to nominate Scott Campbell as a regular member. Motion passes; 6/0/1. Mr. Campbell abstains.

Revocation Procedure
CASE: 06-08: Franklin and Sandra Bean, 36 Bean Rd. Map 234, Lot 12-2. Subdivision of 4 lots. Extension approved on 9/27/07 for one year.

Ms. Planchet explains that the subdivision was approved and one year later the applicants requested an extension to complete the conditions of approval relative to pavement. The board approved the extension for one year and nothing has been done. Ms. Planchet states that the board must motion to initiate the revocation process for this case as the conditional approval has not been met in the required time frame. Nikki Roy makes a motion, second by Pete Jones, to initiate the revocation process for Case: 06-08, Bean. Motion passes unanimously; 7/0.

Application to Build on a Class VI or Private Road
Bulls Gap Development Corp., Pine St. and Oak St. Map 122; Lot 68. The information was previously distributed 10/23/08.  Members have not had the opportunity to review the site.  Ms. Roy requests that the board drive by the area and the item will be addressed at the November 20 meeting.

Minutes
August 28, 2008:
Page 5 and 6: Correct Gulf Road area
Page 5: Delete …innovative...
Nikki Roy makes a motion, second by Pete Jones, to approve the minutes of August 28, 2008, as amended. Motion passes; 7/0.

September 11, 2008:
Page 3: Remove last sentence from paragraph 1 and add to paragraph 3.
Page 3: Delete last sentence paragraph 4.
Nikki Roy makes a motion, second by Ken Curley, to approve the minutes of September 11, 2008, as amended. Motion passes; 6/0/1. Ms. Roy abstains.

September 25, 2008:
Page 5: Add: …Trustees.
Page 5: Change: …meeting the stormwater drainage calculations regulations…
To…calculating the required stormwater drainage.
Pages 6 and 7: Correct Gulf Road area
Ken Curley makes a motion, second by Pete Jones, to accept the minutes of September 25, 2008, as amended. Motion passes; 6/0/1. Ms. Roy abstains.

October 9, 2008:
Page 1: Change: …shoreline buffer and protection…to: …shoreland buffer ordinance…
Page 7: Delete: …‘s’ from invites...
Page 11: Restate: …it is even possible for a buffer ordinance to be proposed… 
Ken Curley makes a motion, second by Pete Jones, to accept the minutes of October 9, as amended. Motion passes; 6/0/1. Ms. Roy abstains.

Ms. Roy requests that members read through the October 10/23 minutes be read before the meeting.

Adjournment

Ken Curley makes a motion to adjourn. Motion is seconded by Herb Johnson. Motion passes unanimously 7/0 at 9:39 p.m.

Respectfully submitted

Lisa Fellows-Weaver
Board Secretary