Town of Walpole, Walpole, NH 03608
PLANNING BOARD MEETING
May 13, 2008–7:00pm
Town Hall
MINUTES
Presiding: Jeff Miller, Ch.
Members Present: Bob Miller, V-Ch., Henry Fletcher, Sheldon Sawyer, BOS, Ben Daviss,
Jeff White, alt., Donn Lounsbury, alt., Fred Dill, alt.
Members Absent: E. Merklien, D. DeCoste, S O’Keefe Recording: Pamela Aslinger, Sec./alt.
These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the July 8, 2008 meeting for errors,
omissions and corrections. There were 20 persons in attendance.
I. Meeting opened at 7:00pm
A. Roll Call - Ch. designated F. Dill for E. Merklien, D. Lounsbury for D. DeCoste
B. Minutes - A motion to approve the minutes as presented was made and seconded.
Motion carried unanimously.
II. Review applications submitted: Accept/Reject/Delay before opening Public Hearing
A. Hick’s Machine Inc. Expedited Site Plan Review located at 65 Maplewood Circle, Map 23, Lot 14 in the Industrial district. The minor proposal is for a 2,464 sq. ft. addition to the SE rear side of the existing building and removal of one small shed. Waivers were presented. Ch. Miller explained that the Site Plan regulations provide an expedited review for this type of minor site plan and read through the checklist of waivers asking the board to consider the waivers as part of the completed application. Mr. Dill moved to accept the application with the waivers as complete, seconded by Mr. B. Miller, motion carried unanimously.
III. Closed meeting/opened Public Hearing. Mr. Hicks was present to answer questions and gave a brief overview, pointing out where the addition was located and the shed being removed. The addition will have a trussed roof and be very similar to existing building. Ch. Miller called for questions or comments, hearing none from the audience or board,
IV. 7:12pm Closed the Public Hearing/re-opened the meeting. Action on application: Approve/Disapprove/Delay. Ch. Miller called for board action on the proposal. A motion to approve the application as presented was made and seconded, vote taken, motion carried unanimously. The plans were signed and a follow-up letter will be sent.
II. B. Etka Patel/No. Walpole Realty Trust - Site Plan Review located at 988 Main St. (Rte. 12) in N. Walpole, Map 28, Lot 154 in the Residential district. Proposal converts former Mr. G’s Warehouse to an 11,000 sq. ft. convenience store with a 1-bedroom employee apartment. Lot is .75 ac with 390 ft. of frontage on Main St. and is pending approval from N. Walpole zoning commission. Waivers were presented. Ch. Miller briefly described the proposal as above noting that the N. Walpole Zoning Board had given their approval (letter on file) with conditions for a change in non-conforming use. He read through the list of waivers presented with the application and called for a motion to accept the application as complete along with the waivers. It was so moved by Mr. B. Miller and seconded by Mr. Dill, motion carried unanimously.
III. Closed meeting/opened Public Hearing. Attorney Rob Kasper was present representing Mr. Patel who was in attendance. He described the action taken by the N. Walpole Zoning Commissioners as granting a change in a non-conforming use from an industrial warehouse to a retail commercial convenience store. He introduced Paul Grazewicz as the engineer available to describe the site layout and how they addressed the NWZC conditions. One of the conditions was to obtain a driveway permit from the State regarding the entrances and an inspection by the fire chief. The fire chief on Friday completed his inspection. He said they are asking the State to extend the sidewalk on the northerly side along Rte. 12.
Mr. Grazewicz referred to the plan noting two changes in response to Josephine Slomba, abutter regarding lower tree plantings to allow for proper snow removal of her driveway and to create a 4 ft. gravel access path for her. There was a proposed curb island at the south entrance; they are currently revising it to allow for two separate entrances instead of one large opening servicing her driveway and the store. Again it allows for snow removal. They have submitted the plans to DOT on June 5th, DOT had a couple of comments re: the Hwy. Numbering, and requested that they widen the southern entrance to 30 feet. He said the existing footprint stays the same, the parking will be paved, the existing tree line remains except to allow for the dumpster. He said the lighting is existing with two on the building to the north, a proposed surface mounted light at both entrances. He said there is an existing pole light, mercury or sodium type and there is an existing street light near the proposed entrance, he thought it was sufficient. The new sign will be lit according to what is allowed in the ordinance. There are 27 parking spaces with 8 spaces on each side of the building and they are installing a sidewalk alongside of the building. The building is hooked to sewer and water and all the existing drainage will be utilized. There is a proposed apartment in the back right of the building, 550 sq. feet used exclusively by the manager of the store, functioning as a security also. The plans show the hours of operation being 7am - 10pm, 7 days per week.
Mr. Dill asked if the rest of the upstairs would be used? Mr. Patel said it would not be used at all, not even for storage. Mr. Grazewicz thought the project would be a nice addition to the area from its present condition as an abandoned warehouse with a rusty loading dock that will be cleaned up and removed. He added that it should be handy to N. Walpole citizens to shop for general groceries.
Mr. Dill asked if there are sidewalks from the bridge over? Answer was yes on the westerly side of Rte. 12 and east side in front of the site. There is a nice grass strip for walking to the North before it meets up with the sidewalk. Mr. Grazewicz asked DOT if they would be interested in providing a sidewalk to the north of the site along the grass strip, they were not willing to become involved. Mr. Kasper added that discussion at the NWZC public hearing brought out the type of store they are proposing, it will have a deli, and grocery items such as bread, eggs and milk rather than typical convenience store fare such as gas, alcohol and tobacco.
Ch. Miller called for questions, comments or concerns. Mrs. Cathy Kopij, abutter is concerned about the lack of sidewalk to the north and proposes a crosswalk. Mr. Grazewicz, answered the grass strip is suitable for walking. There may be times when trains have stopped traffic that it might be difficult to cross but the posted speed limit is quite slow also - 15mph S and 30mph N. She asked about truck traffic and off loading, would it conflict with store traffic during business hours? Mr. Grazewicz pointed to the loading area and space that is front left of the building where the roll up door is. He said the frequency of deliveries would be one to two per day during working hours, not after hours. The trucks will not stop on Rte. 12, and the site will not accommodate 18 wheelers even though it has happened at other stores along Rte. 12, there is also a curb that prevents a truck from trying to park on Rte. 12. Mr. Kasper agreed a painted crosswalk would be a good idea, to check with DOT, and could additionally help to slow down traffic. Mr. White questioned the space allowed for a 53 ft. truck, he drives by the area everyday and has noticed trucks at the Citgo station/ Jiffy Mart on Rte. 12 and he has seen persons exceeding the speed limit. He said it is vital not to block the stores entrance with delivery trucks. Mr. Patel said all deliveries would be made by smaller 24 ft. “straight” trucks so he does not anticipate any problems with blocking the entrance. Ch. Miller called for final comments, hearing none -
IV. Closed the Public Hearing and re-opened the meeting at 7:30pm. Ch. Miller called for Board comments. Mr. B. Miller asked if there were any future plans to sell gasoline, answer was no, there is not enough space. Ch. Miller suggested they return to the NWVC or Town about crosswalks and sidewalks. Selectman Sawyer said the Town would be responsible for putting them in if DOT will not, and mentioned DOT would need to be contacted first since it is a State road. He said if there is a crosswalk it must be used exclusively for crossings. Ch. Miller called for board action. Mr. Sawyer made a motion to approve the plan as presented and based on having received permission from the N. Walpole Zoning Board. Mr. Dill seconded. Mr. Dill moved to amend the motion to include the provision that no further apartments will be allowed without returning to the planning board for approval, that the proposal is for one apartment only. Ch. Miller called for a vote on the amendment - amendment passed unanimously. Ch. Miller called for a vote on the amended motion - the motion passed unanimously. The plans were signed and a follow-up letter will be sent.
V. 7:38 pm Close Meeting/Open Public Hearing/Close Public Hearing/Re-open meeting on draft amendment to Site Plan Review regulations. Ch. Miller explained the purpose of the amendment is to request building design information as part of Site Plan application materials to aid the board in making an informed decision. He added that in the past it was assumed the information was to be included but the regulations did not actually require it. This amendment if passed would require the information. He read the amendment as shown on the agenda. He called for public comment, questions or discussion. Hearing none he closed the public hearing 7:40pm and called for board action.
Mr. Ben Daviss made a motion to approve the amendment as presented, Mr. Bob Miller seconded. Ch. Miller called for a vote, motion carried unanimously, except for Mr. Sawyer who abstained.
VI. Unfinished Business: Pending Applications
A. Chamberlain Machine - Revision to approved plans. Mr. Chris Miller was present with owner Mr. Scott Boynton and Mr. Peter Wotowiec of Bensonwood Homes. Mr. C. Miller presented the board with three new sets of plans reducing the building size, parking lot and reduced lighting with a minor reconfiguration of Huntington Lane to improve a protective buffer. Mr. C. Miller explained the driveway arrangement was straightened and moved closer to the building and to allow Bensonwood better access. They have decreased the parking lot paved area and reduced the footprint of the building. There is less lighting; less landscaping, curbed islands have been replaced with painted bump outs to allow for plowing. He said they’ve been coordinating with Bensonwood on their proposal and turned the explanation over to Mr. Wotowiec. He said it became clear if they continued the road straight they would cut into the protective buffer allowed for the residences. They have redesigned the road to be slightly angled to accommodate the buffer of large established evergreens and it will be nearer to the property lines. They have met with SVE, Chamberlain’s engineer and Jim Terrell, town road agent who has given a verbal approval to the new configuration. The modification will be part of Chamberlain’s proposal rather than waiting for Bensonwood’s proposal to go through the site plan application process thus allowing for Chamberlain to proceed with their construction sequence. Mr. Wotoweic said Bensonwood would be submitting their proposal to the board at the July meeting.
Mr. Dill asked if the entry way off Rte. 12 was the same? Answer was yes. Mr. Wotowiec pointed to the maps and detailed the future use of the road, noting it narrowed to 20 feet along the back as approved by Mr. Terrell.
Mr. C. Miller described the parking area and entrance-way changes eliminating 15,000 sq. ft. of pavement but preserves the functionality for employees and truck traffic. He said the bump outs at the end of the parking sections are now to be painted instead of curbed to allow for plowing. They have maintained the required landscaping ratio and the parking islands planted as required. He said some islands and lighting have been eliminated by a similar percentage, the type of lighting is the same. They are keeping the storage shed and existing house. He said because of the structural engineering for the building and the column locations they reduced the size of the building and the footprint is slightly changed with a 30 ft. jog. The functionality remains the same and the main entrance is more centralized. The building went from 49K to 47K sq. ft. Ch. Miller called for comments. Mr. Fred Dill made a motion to approve the amendments to the Site Plan approval as presented. Mr. Sawyer seconded. Ch. Miller called for discussion, being none called for the vote, motion carried unanimously. Plans were signed, a follow up letter will be sent. Mr. Miller said they were working with Mr. Houghton regarding the water and sewer hook up, there would be some revisions and they will keep the board informed at a later date. Sec. Aslinger received a letter from the water commissioner regarding some changes it will be kept on file. They are also working with the Fire Chief.
B. Griswold Place 16 Westminster St. - Revision to approved plans - Minor reduction of parking lot size, increased green space with added landscaping, plus an improvement to “lane”. Sec. Aslinger presented the board with plans submitted by Mr. Red Smith, Property manager. Mr. Smith attached a letter that stated, “We have turned the space 90 degrees and eliminated one space.” (from 5 to 4). “This change will allow us to vastly increase the green space which will improve the appearance and livability for neighbors and the tenants. The scope of the work also includes repaving the existing pavement of the right of way drive.”
Members reviewed the previous plan noting the dumpster was moved to the east side away from the “Ernst” abutters property line and the addition of more trees. Ch. Miller called for comments or concerns, hearing none called for board action. Mr. Fred Dill made a motion to approve the revisions as presented, seconded by Mr. Lounsbury. Ch. Miller called for a vote, motion carried unanimously. The plans were signed and a follow up letter will be sent.
VIII. New Business: Preliminary Conceptual Consultations
A. Lawrence Associates - Virginia Foote presented an application for a Lot Line Adjustment located on Hillcrest Rd. and Parris Lane in North Walpole, Map29 Lots 40 & 41 between Peter and Patricia Wheeler and Ronald Hill. The change results in Lot 40 becoming 1.20 ac. and Lot 41 becoming 3.9 ac. and Wheeler’s driveway will be on their own lot. Fees and abutter list accompanied the application. All setbacks and lot sizes are conforming. Mr. Dill made motion to schedule the application for the July 8, 2008 meeting and schedule the public hearing, it was seconded, vote taken, motion carried unanimously.
B. Mrs. Shirley Frost - Mrs. Frost was present with her son and described their desire to locate a second mobile home on a parcel they own at 84 Valley Rd. She said she had spoken with the BOS who urged her to appear before the ZBA and PB to go over the possibility. She said her husband’s health is failing and they are selling their house on Maplewood Avenue and they would like to remain in Walpole, they’ve lived here for 50 years. In order to do so they would like to make use of the lot they own by putting a second mobile home next to her son’s mobile home so they can be helped along as they age and so they can live in a one level home. She thought a variance might be needed according to what has been discussed. She said the existing septic is adequate and could be added to, the variance would be for the shortage of 45 feet of frontage to create two lots. She said her son would be building a new home on the site at some point. She said the BOS agreed with her that the Town needs to make a provision for situations like hers. Ch. Miller asked if it would be permanent? Her son said no, only until either of his parent’s pass on or need to be moved to a nursing home. Mr. Sawyer said the Selectboard were going to grant a temporary permit to place the second mobile home on the lot with the condition it be removed when Mr. Frost passes away, however if Mrs. Frost wants to remain now, that might create a conflict with a temporary status. Mr. Fletcher remembered this type of accommodation being allowed before. Mr. Sawyer agreed thinking of two others. Ch. Miller asked if a slab or permanent foundation was needed and if there are other structures on the lot. Her son answered only his mobile home and a garage are on the property, plus the state requires a slab. Mr. Sawyer said it does not require a slab because the permanent foundation can be built in.
Mr. Dill asked for a clarification, the agenda reads “subdivision” rather than a temporary variance that is being discussed and about the septic. Mrs. Frost and son prefer the temporary allowance over a subdivision. The son said the septic leachfield was done 5 years ago by Johnny Mathews, there are 4-20 ft. runs, that the area is very sandy and advised him to dig 2 feet below grade, put in a foot of concrete sand and inch and a half stone with a 4 inch perforated pipe and cover it with fabric. They have a 1000 tank and would install another 1000 gallon tank that he could also use in the future when he builds his house. He would be adding on to the existing septic rather than putting in a new system for the second mobile home, but will put in the additional tank.
Sec. Aslinger said she spoke with Mrs. Frost when she inquired about being placed on the agenda. Sec. Aslinger said she read through the regulations trying to determine where it was allowed to put two mobile homes on one lot, but the regulations and ordinances do not specifically make a provision to allow such a placement on a single lot. She said that’s why she suggested Mrs. Frost consider a subdivision of the lot in order to make it a legal situation. Because the lot does not have adequate frontage for two lots, she suggested she contact the ZBA to discuss seeking a variance for the 45 feet of missing frontage. She said that is why Mrs. Frost was placed on the agenda for subdivision, the ZBA has the authority to consider variances. If a variance is obtained then she would return to the Planning Board for a minor 2 lot subdivision creating a separate lot for each of the mobile homes. Ch. Miller agreed with the variance/subdivision process so it would be a legal subdivision. Her son asked how it would affect him in the future if he removed the second mobile home. Ch. Miller suggested he could own both properties and once the second mobile home is removed he could apply for a voluntary merger to make it one lot again. The son asked if he would be required to have two separate septic systems if it were to be subdivided. Sec. Aslinger said because the lots would be less than 3 acres, a state subdivision approval would be required meaning perk tests and septic design, if he wants to use and expand the existing system, she thought that could be a viable proposal to the State, especially if it were going to be a temporary situation. Ch. Miller said he would need a septic plan anyway to add on the 1000 gallon tank. Sec. Aslinger said the result of going through the subdivision process would create two legal lots conforming to the regulations currently in place, it protects the land-owners. Ch. Miller agreed but acknowledged if the BOS permitted them to put the second mobile home on the lot by issuing a building permit, then the Planning Board and ZBA would not be involved. Selectman Sawyer said they have told them they could do it temporarily. Ch. Miller suggested to the Selectboard that it be clearly spelled out that it is a temporary situation and time sensitive, to contact Town legal counsel for an opinion. He said they don’t want to set a precedent or run into complications by issuing what would be considered a temporary variance to allow two single family homes on one lot. Mr. Sawyer said he wished the ordinances allowed for this type of situation, to help out some of the older citizens by allowing them to live with their family for care. Ch. Miller said it does, by way of variance, he felt there is a mechanism that does make an allowance but cautioned that the Selectmen should seek legal opinion before making an allowance for this situation on their own to avoid future complications. He thought going through the normal variance procedure would be best and agreed the regulations should address the issue, he noted one of the reasons they kept the one acre acreage requirement was to allow farmers to carve off a small lot for family members.
He concluded by saying they have two options, begin by meeting with the ZBA by contacting Myra Mansouri at the next meeting on June 18 to begin the variance process and in the mean time the BOS can discuss their option with Town counsel for an opinion. He said they could seek a variance and then a subdivision with the provision it is for a temporary use, then in the future the land can be returned to one lot in by a voluntary merger or they can wait for the BOS to confirm the legality of allowing them to proceed with temporary permission or some other suggested legal solution. He suggested the BOS work quickly to contact legal counsel. Mr. Sawyer said they would try and added if they did subdivide they would be taxed on two $70,000.00 lots. He said he hated to see persons living in Town 50 years without options other than moving into a nursing home out of Town. Sec. Aslinger asked if by amending the zoning ordinance a couple of years ago requiring multifamily to be all on one foundation closed the door on allowing for a situation like this. She asked if it could be considered a multifamily lot, rather than being a connected multifamily dwelling, she offered to check with other Towns and the State to see how it can be fairly addressed. Ch. Miller said the reason for the amendment was to prevent multifamily dwellings being connected by only a breezeway.
IX. Communications and Miscellaneous
A. Master Plan Update - Mr. Daviss said he and Mr. Schupack met with SWRPC to review the vision statement and goals and objectives for any conflicting language and compatibility with the Master Plan, they would do the tidy up as part of the membership fees/annual dues. They will prepare a cost proposal on the rewrite of the land use technical section hopefully by the next work session. Sec. Aslinger asked if the Board wanted to set the dates for the public hearings to adopt the Conservation Commission documents into the Master Plan. The documents are the Comparative Land Values and Farms Forests Streams inventory. Selectman Sawyer questioned why they should be included in the Master Plan that he takes dim view of the Conservation Commission’s reports being included since it was made up for them. Mr. Fletcher said the Planning Board was being bashed by some of the Conservation people, thinking the Board is stupid and doesn’t know what they are doing. Sec. Aslinger asked if so then the planning board should not consider or take anything they (WCC) do as important? She said it is documented information with the mapping based on facts and data. It’s information that should be included in the Master Plan wouldn’t we want comparative land values and our natural resources as part of the master plan? Mr. Daviss said the documents also support the Master Plan revision by giving some background and data to establish the goals and objectives in the survey the Town responded to, in addition SWRPC will read through the documents as part of their proposal to tell us if there are any inconsistencies before adopting it into the Master Plan. Ch. Miller said then it would be best to wait until they had a chance to comment on it before holding any public hearings. Mr. Sawyer said one thing he noticed in the document was a goal of setting aside 25% of all lands for conservation which is not accessible to the public, thinking, is that something the Town wants? He said they have 12 % presently, he’s not sure whether SWRPC came up with that or if it was the previous Conservation Commission members. He said that was one of the things that could greatly affect the Town because land that is put in conservation is not taxable -basically. Mr. Fletcher asked if he thought the land would be “posted” after its put into easement? Mr. Sawyer said some of it has been posted already. Mr. Daviss said he was unaware the plan called for 25% having not had a chance to read it entirely. Mr. Sawyer said if they let SWRPC do all the planning for us they could do away with the Conservation Commission, Planning and Zoning and have Statewide zoning which is what he thinks the State wants. He doesn’t think that’s what the Town of Walpole wants. He thinks what we have works although the Town has changed not being as much as an agrarian society but there hasn’t been a tremendous influx of people either.
Mr. Dill reflecting on the Frost’s situation thought a couple of years ago they could have proceeded, now they are going to be 12-15 thousand dollars in the hole and delayed 3 or 4 months at 1000 dollars per month. He said we keep adding pages and pages of regulations making it difficult to help people when the need arises. He said it’s supposedly to keep the bad guys out of Town but he thinks it punishes the people already living in Town. Ms. Aslinger said she thought the regulations protect the property owners. Mr. Dill disagreed saying every time something new is added the large property owners ie, the farmer’s are being hurt. They get hit every single time and it takes away the flexibility on their largest asset. Mr. White said the flip side is the property owner’s view living across the street from two mobile homes kitty cornered on one lot with one septic system so they can save money while the neighbors take it to court and spend their own money trying to fight it. Ch. Miller disagreed with Mr. Dill saying there have been instances where the Town has accommodated a need and it’s come back to haunt them. He said even without any changes to the ordinances, there is a rational for they way the ordinance was written in the 1960’s and as Sheldon pointed out it has worked for many years without major changes and has protected the Town. He said it doesn’t work out when the rules and regulations aren’t applied. He said the abutters could be adversely affected in their property values by this type of allowance. Mr. Dill agreed with his thinking but thought it was scary to think the Conservation Commissions document full of changes could be adopted without members realizing a goal of setting aside 25% of land for conservation being included. Ch. Miller said most of the natural resources information is already covered in the Master Plan. Mr. Dill thought the Board was voting tonight to include the WCC’s report in the Master Plan. Ch. Miller said no, it was to consider scheduling the public hearing only, but it has been tabled pending SWRPC’s review mentioned by Mr. Daviss. Sec. Aslinger said at the last work session members discussed holding a public hearing on the two documents so she added it to the agenda, not knowing about the SWRPC review, which she agreed should be considered before a hearing. Mr. Sawyer said the 25% was brought up at the first Master Plan Work Session. Ch. Miller asked if the Conservation Commission members were appointed by the Selectmen? Mr. Sawyer said yes, and the alternates are appointed as well.
B. Fees increase request - Sec. Aslinger asked the Board to please consider the $25.00 increase she is requesting and whether anyone had studied the other Town’s fees she prepared. Mr. Sawyer moved to keep them the same as what they are, seconded by Mr. Fletcher. Mr. Daviss asked if the fees were covering the costs? Sec. Aslinger said no they are not, that is why she asked for the increase. Mr. Daviss asked why the Board is subsidizing applicants? Ch. Miller called for discussion with the motion on the floor. Mr. Sawyer said you are not supposed to cover all the costs of the planning and zoning board budget through the fees, its supposed to cover the cost of a particular application, not doing the master plan. Sec. Aslinger agreed that the fees are to cover the applications only. He said then you have to look at being more expensive than surrounding Towns, why? If the school systems are costing more, are you getting better education or more expensive education? He questions whether the fees should be higher than every other Town except for Chesterfield and where does it stop? If fee structures are only supposed to cover the costs why limit them to planning and zoning, why not set fees for anything that comes up perhaps there should be user fees for education, roads. Mr. Daviss asked whether the planning board fees were covering the actual costs of processing the applications? Sec. Aslinger said no, even with the increase it is not fully covering the expenses - but it is offsetting them. Postage has gone up three times since the original fees increase, the abutter notice postage is now costing $3.12 and the Board charges $5.00 which may seem like it’s covering the expense but it doesn’t cover the labor. She said even though the Selectmen think they can limit her time by cutting the labor portion of the Board’s budget, she still has to get the legal notices out the alternative would be costly lawsuits. She said she was being very conservative requesting $25.00 per application and upping the postage, she said the Board doesn’t charge for the published legal notice as many Towns do. Ch. Miller pointed to Charlestown, Alstead and Marlboro as comparisons all being lower than Walpole’s fees. Sec. Aslinger said she spoke with individuals of each of the 18 Towns all are interested in getting a copy of the figures she gathered because they don’t feel they are covering their costs. Some Towns haven’t increased fees since 2005. Ch. Miller said a few years ago they were only charging $25.00 now it’s $150.00. Sec. Aslinger argued that the $25.00 wasn’t covering the costs even then but was costing the townspeople instead. He disagreed saying previous clerks weren’t spending as much. Sec. Aslinger said she thought one of the reasons the previous clerk left was because she wasn’t be properly compensated for her time. Mr. Sawyer said it was because her kids were busy with activities and she would be ready to return in two years. Ch. Miller thought the increase was excessive compared to the past. Sec. Aslinger said it seemed the discussion was being directed at her personally. Ch. Miller said no it wasn’t. Mr. Sawyer compared the recyling center costing the taxpayers $150,000 dollars, should they increase the bag fee to cover the costs? Mr. Dill thought there would be a lot more garbage on the side of the road if they did and Sec. Aslinger thought the fees should be raised for all other Towns using Walpole’s facility. Ch. Miller called for further discussion. Mr. Daviss thought the Board should make an approach
to cover more of the costs instead of operating at a greater loss than needed. He said it cost what it costs - he doesn’t see the relevance to other Towns, someone who wants to build in Walpole is not going to go to Chesterfield to save $25.00. He said it costs what it costs - let’s have the people who want the service pay for the service. Mr. Bob Miller asked what the shortfall is. Ch. Miller said Sec. Aslinger probably knows, that she has put a lot of effort into elevating the position and the Board has benefited, it’s been terrific, a lot of great ideas have come forth through her efforts and he trusts her to account for her time for processing the applications but questions whether the minutes and other board duties should be included in the application fees. He thought there were two distinctions of her time. He said he a few years ago the application fee was $25.00 but at the suggestion of Ms. Aslinger and against what he thought would fly the fees were substantially increased and much to his surprise there hasn’t been any adverse reverberation. Mr. Dill asked if part of the increase from 5 -10 years ago is due to the Board doing the work of the applicants, is it for the Town or applicant, should the applicant’s do more? Sec. Aslinger said she is available anytime to answer questions/inquiries and on some days she has received 15 such phone calls, her cell phone number is “out there” and it is part of the secretarial duties to answer questions as to how to file an application or where to drop off materials or be placed on the agenda. She said she doesn’t charge for the inquiries. The RSA’s state the fees need to be reasonable to cover costs, she isn’t trying to cover SWRPC’s expenses in the fees, only the processing of the applications. She guides the applicant’s through the process and thinks it’s the right approach and the applicant’s have shown their appreciation, the Board may not appreciate her efforts but the applicant’s do and it’s great. Mr. Dill said to take Mrs. Frost as an example, he said she went to the BOS, spoke with Sec. Aslinger who spoke with Ms. Mansouri and then here tonight at the full Planning Board, next to the Zoning Board, doesn’t it seem like too much effort? Ch. Miller said each applicant is different requiring whatever time is needed and trusts Sec. Aslinger to do the work as needed and to account fairly for her time, the issue is whether the Board thinks the fees need to be increased as requested. Sec. Aslinger said she is simply trying to defray some of the costs. Mr. Sawyer said cemetery mowing isn’t being covered by fees either. Ch. Miller called for the vote. Four were in favor of the motion to keep the fees as is and three against. Motion passed. Ch. Miller thanked Sec. Aslinger for the extra effort she puts in. Sec. Aslinger said her intention is to pass the duties on to the next person creating a job that wouldn’t require them to provide their own computer, phone, and office at their home, be on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week and be underpaid by volunteering half of their time. She said she was hoping to recombine the Zoning and Planning secretarial position, however that has been complicated, she hoped to make it a more professional offering in order to attract a qualified person. She said she wishes to spend more time on the Board as a member rather than being bogged down by the clerical duties. She would like to run for a full member and spend her time working on planning, the secretarial position doesn’t pay enough for the amount of time required, she’d rather spend the time working on the Master Plan and regulations.
C. Other - Mr. Sawyer said he would like to mention his concern over interpreting very complicated State and Town regulations more so at the BOS level but he defies any Planning Board member to say they know what they all are or a Selectmen to say the same. They are all the time coming up against an unknown. He said whenever there is a complaint or question whether it is legal or not legal according to the zoning they have to go through the process. He said it behooves them, as planning board members not sit in judgment before the process is complete and that they recognize there is a process that you can go through. As the zoning changes the Board has to change how they view a project. He said to try to research it as much as they can and abide by the regulations as they are. He said they’ve run into a few instances where incorrect statements about a project have been made, so reiterates the need to research before commenting.
X. 8:48pm Mr. Dill moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded, motion carried unanimously.
Next work session to be held 6/24 at 7pm and next meeting 7/8/08 at 7pm.
Cc: PB, ZBA, WCC, BOS, NWVC, Town offices, applicants and engineers
Posted: Town Hall, Lobby, Burdick’s Market, www.walpoleplanningboard.org and www.thewalpolean.com
