October 11, 2005
Planning Board Minutes
Chairman Mike Ouellet called the meeting to order shortly after 7 pm. Members present were Edward Carrier, Kevin McKinnon, Sandra Riendeau, Selectperson Larry Rappaport and alternates Joe Ippolito and John Jolles.
Others present were Joanne Hill, Raymond Champagne, Claire Lynch and Sheila Beauchemin.
Driveway Permit:
Phil J. Lambert, Jr. – Construct an access to his property located on Titus Hill (R9 Lot 111). Mr. Lambert explained that the driveway will be used as a log yard entrance this winter with a permanent driveway put in place in the spring. Public Works Director Kevin McKinnon had viewed the site and recommended a fifteen inch twenty-foot long culvert. Larry Rappaport made a motion to approve the permit; Sandra Riendeau seconded and all present agreed. APPROVED - #2005-93
Building Permit:
Raymond Champagne - 26’ x 44’ pre-fab home to be placed on their property located on Hazen Drive and Harry’s Way. A review of the floodplain map indicated that the home would not be located within the floodplain. Edward Carrier made a motion to approve the permit; Larry Rappaport seconded and all present agreed. APPROVED - #2005-94
John & Sherry Woods – 24’ x 24’ structure to serve as a seasonal camp to be placed on their property on Shallow Road (R4 Lot 42). Mr. Woods indicated that a previously inspected privy will continue to be used. Larry Rappaport made a motion to approve the permit with a notation that if running water is ever put into the building, State and Federal guidelines for a septic system will need to be complied with. Kevin McKinnon seconded the motion and all present agreed. APPROVED - #2005-95
Paul & Carol Mockler – 28’ x 38’ three-bedroom cabin to be placed on their property at 435 Titus Hill Road. Mr. Mockler indicated that the existing structure will remain and be converted to an outbuilding. An approval for construction of a septic system is on file. Sandra Riendeau made a motion to approve the permit; Edward Carrier seconded and all present agreed. APPROVED - #2005-96
Francine & Jeffrey Marchand – 24’ x 30’ two-bedroom ranch with two-car garage to be placed on their property on Shallow Road (R4 Lot 10). Mr. Marchand indicated that a temporary camper will remain on site during construction. An approval for operation for a septic system is on file. Sandra Riendeau made a motion to approve the permit; Kevin McKinnon seconded and all present agreed. APPROVED - #2005-97
Sandra Riendeau removed herself from the Board. Joe Ippolito was asked to sit in for her.
Sign Permit:
Johanne Pouliot – 3’ x 4’ sign, stating “Just For You Day Spa, etc.” to be placed on posts at the corner of the building located at 19 High Street. Larry Rappaport remarked that the sign needs to be set back far enough so it does not impede the visibility for traffic. Edward Carrier made a motion to approve the permit; Larry Rappaport seconded and all present agreed. APPROVED - #2005-98
Waiver of Site Plan Regulations:
Sandra Riendeau - Request for a waiver of site plan regulations for the use of the property located at 19 High Street. Mrs. Riendeau proposed to change the bottom apartment to house an office for her business. Her grounds for a waiver were that the location is already a commercial property and the new business venture would not impact the surrounding area. Larry Rappaport made a motion to approve the waiver; Joe Ippolito seconded and all present agreed. Mrs. Riendeau was advised that, should there be a problem regarding this site in the future, the Planning Board has the right to ask for a full site plan review and public hearing. APPROVED
Johanne Pouliot – Request for a waiver of site plan regulations for the use of the property located at 19 High Street. Ms. Pouliot proposed to move her aesthetics and electrolysis establishment to this site. Her grounds for a waiver were that the location is already a commercial site. A letter of approval was attached from the owner of the building, indicating sufficient parking. Joe Ippolito made a motion to approve the waiver; Larry Rappaport seconded and all present agreed. Ms. Pouliot will be advised that, should there be a problem regarding this site in the future, the Planning Board has the right to ask for a full site plan review and public hearing. APPROVED
Bills:
Larry Rappaport made a motion to pay the invoice from Gardner, Fulton & Waugh for $225. Edward Carrier seconded and all present agreed.
New Business:
It was noted that the wording currently on the Building Permit application asks if the property falls within the flood zone. Board members noted that it was possible for the property to be in the flood zone, but the structure being built might not be. The permit application will be changed to ask “does this structure fall within the flood zone?”
Joanne Hill approached the Board regarding the possible subdivision of a seven-acre piece of property on Piper Hill / Aldrich Road. She was advised that all lots outside of town must be at least two acres. A copy of a subdivision application and the procedure involved was given to Ms. Hill.
A review of correspondence from town counsel indicated that the wording currently in Article IV Section 1 could be misconstrued. A motion was made by Larry Rappaport, seconded by Kevin McKinnon, to check with town counsel on how to reword Section 1 so that the intent is clear and it meets state standards. Once that has been received, a public hearing will be scheduled so that the change can be placed on the official ballot at Town Meeting.
Old Business:
Chris Allison responded to his letter of possible violation for a shed without a permit on his property on Reed Road. He explained that he did not realize a permit was needed for a non-permanent structure; however, he advised that he had since dismantled it and moved it off the property.
It was noted that the ice cream cones which were on a telephone pole in front of Rick Nadig’s establishment have now been moved onto the building. It was also noted that no sign permits have been received for the non-compliant ones discussed with him at the September 13, 2005 meeting. Sandra Riendeau suggested that the sign permits be deferred until he finishes his new building. Other Board members felt this is an entirely separate issue. Kevin McKinnon made a motion, seconded by Larry Rappaport, to turn the issue of signs without a permit over to the Selectmen for enforcement. The motion passed with three ayes and two nays (Carrier / Riendeau).
Discussion ensued regarding a temporary sign ordinance. Larry Rappaport suggested that the Board look at defining the façade of a building and consider only the portion of the building that the commercial establishment resides. In other words, if the business is contained in only the first floor of a building that is the only portion that can be considered for placement of signs. It was questioned what to do if there were two or three sides of the building showing street-side (such as Clarkies Market). Suggestions were that a percentage of the exposed area be considered; however, it was noted that larger business would be able to have larger signs with this formula. There was also concern that the size of the signs with this formula could also be larger than the current 36 square feet.
All were in agreement that signs behind a window (or painted on the glass) would not be considered. It was suggested that, in order to regulate the temporary signs, the Board needs to know when they go up. The process should be simple; perhaps, a simple form faxed to the Planning Board stating the date the sign is put up. This same date should show on the sign. It was questioned if the Board should address repetition and how many temporary signs would be allowed. This area would affect a grocery store specials board. The final consensus was that the main problem is the length of time temporary signs seem to be up. A motion was made by Larry Rappaport, seconded by Edward Carrier, to have a public hearing regarding the adoption of a new temporary sign ordinance stating, any given sign placed outside for 30 days shall mean notifying the town. There will be no permit or fee. The sign must be dated. A public
hearing will be warned for November 8, 2005.
Kevin McKinnon made a motion, seconded by Edward Carrier, to approve the September 13, 2005 minutes.
The meeting was adjourned at 10 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Sheila M. Beauchemin
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