Skip Navigation
This table is used for column layout.
Town Seal
2007 May 1


May 1, 2007 Planning Board Minutes


Chairman Edward Carrier opened the meeting shortly after 7 pm.  Board members present were PersonNameKevin McKinnon, Sandra Riendeau, Irene Bean, alternate John Jolles, and Selectman PersonNameFrank Dumaine.  

Others present were Susan Nash, Brian Beaton, James Hesselbacher, Scott and Helen Nash and children, Claire Lynch, Dana Masson and PersonNameSheila Beauchemin.


Building Permits:

Mary Ellen & Jim Hesselbacher – 26’ x 36’ workshop addition, 20’ x 30’ horse barn addition, 20’ x 24’ living room addition and 12’ x 36’ run-in horse shed to expand the structure at 186 South Hill Road (R5 Lot 29).  Mr. Hesselbacher explained that there is currently a septic system for a 2-bedroom residence; and, even after the additions, there will only be one bedroom.  PersonNameKevin McKinnon made a motion to approve the permit; Sandra Riendeau seconded and all present agreed.  APPROVED - #2007-29

Mark Decareau – Extend Permit 2006-63 to place a 31’ x 40’ one-floor camp on his property on Route 26 (R10 Lot 59).  Mr. Decareau indicated that the site work was almost completed with the septic started, and the structure should be completed by May 2008.  PersonNameKevin McKinnon made a motion to extend the permit to May 2008, or until a certificate of occupancy is received, whichever comes first.  Irene Bean seconded and all present agreed.  It was noted that a second camper has been located on this property for some time and appears to be in violation without a permit.  Mr. Decareau will be asked to come before the Board to explain.  EXTEND

Irene & Arthur Dodge – 8’ x 14’ storage shed to be placed on their property at 89 Corliss Lane (U5 Lot 13).  PersonNameKevin McKinnon made a motion to approve the permit, conditional on the setbacks being indicated on the application.  PersonNameFrank Dumaine seconded and all present agreed.  APPROVED - #2007-30

Clinton Brooks – 12’ x 14’ shed to be placed next the their home at 53 Brandy Lee Lane (U11 Lot 8).  Sandra Riendeau made a motion to approve the permit; Irene Bean seconded and all present agreed.  APPROVED - #2007-31

Tri-County HeadStart – Add a roof to the existing landing and replace the porch and steps at 58 Park Street.  Since this property is in the floodplain, the Board felt it needed more clarification of what and where the addition was to be placed.  No one was present to speak to the application so it was tabled until next month.  TABLED

Marc Decareau – Place seasonal camper from June to August on his property on Route 26 (R10 Lot 14). It was indicated that dumping of the septic system would be completed at the Mohawk Campground. This property (known as Lot C) is located within the floodplain.  When the subdivision plan for this property was recently reviewed by the Planning Board, the statement that “Lot C was approved as a non-buildable lot only” was added to the plan.  Board members felt the intent of this covenant was to allow no type of structure, taking into account the safety and welfare of the town residents in case of a flash flood, such as happened last year.  Since Mr. Decareau was not present to speak with the Board, it was felt there was no option but to deny the permit.  Mr. Decareau will be asked to please come to the next Board meeting to discuss this issue.  He will also be advised that he can appeal the determination with the Zoning Board of Adjustment.  Sandra Riendeau made a motion to deny the permit; PersonNameKevin McKinnon seconded and all present agreed.  DENIED

Donald E. Campbell – 5’ x 48’ porch on east side of home at 28 Parsons Street (U13 Lot 24).  PersonNameKevin McKinnon made a motion to approve the permit; Irene Bean seconded and all present agreed.  APPROVED - #2007-32

Peter / Gail Nugent – Raise part of roof structure and replace an 8’ x 10’ porch on the back of building located at 117 Main Street (U8 Lot 110).  Sandra Riendeau made a motion to approve the permit; PersonNameFrank Dumaine seconded and all present agreed.  APPROVED - #2007-33

Joanne Hill – 24’ x 24’ garage to be placed on her property on Piper Hill Road (R6 Lot 29-1).  PersonNameKevin McKinnon made a motion to approve the permit; Irene Bean seconded and all present agreed.  APPROVED - #2007-34



Conceptual Subdivision Hearing:

James Jeffers – Surveyor Dana Masson laid down a conceptual design of a two-lot subdivision for James Jeffers on Carlton Hill Road.  He explained that a driveway currently exists, and a right-of-way would be extended to the proposed new lot.  Mr. Masson was advised that this would need to be noted on the plan.  It was noted that a test pit would be necessary for the residual piece.  A public hearing will be warned for June 5.

John Groessner – Surveyor Dana Masson explained that Mr. Groessner did a boundary-line adjustment some years ago.  He now would like to split a couple lots out, making a total of three lots served by one driveway.  Edward Carrier noted that the road length would become a problem.  The boundary-line adjustment plan indicates a right-of-way already exists to property owned by Connecticut River Driver’s Trust.  It was questioned why this was not used.  It appears that the property the right-of-way was plotted over is wetlands and would require a permit.

PersonNameKevin McKinnon noted that the current driveway could be put through the main lot to get to the back lot; however 600 feet is the limit.  Anything over that would require a loop road to a Class V road or a cul-de-sac.  A waiver would also be needed for the length.  If development is being considered, this type of set-up could become a safety issue.  The current driveway could be used to service two lots; however, it could not be made into a road afterwards for development purposes.  This notation would need to be shown on the subdivision plan.  Sandra Riendeau remarked that further development, such a rental cabins, would come under the cluster regulations for the Town.

A possible solution would be to extend the right-of-way through the Connecticut River Driver’s Trust land, stating it would exend to Route 3.  The Planning Board would then be able to consider a waiver for the three lots with the understanding that if any further subdivision is completed, the loop road would need to be finished.


Bills:

Irene Bean made a motion, seconded by PersonNameKevin McKinnon, to pay the invoices from Gardner, Fulton & Waugh for $262.50 and the News & Sentinel for $17.25.


New Business:

Brian Beaton approached the Board regarding subdividing his property so that the rental trailer could be sold to the people renting it.  His complete lot equals 2.16 acres only and has 750 foot road frontage.  Edward Carrier advised Mr. Beaton that the subdivision regulations for the Town of Colebrook state all newly subdivided lots out-of-precinct must equal two acres which would not be possible if starting with two acres.

Susan Nash asked if the Planning Board would consider looking at the property on Route 26 which was part of a site plan three years ago.  At that time, the Board recommended a lien against the property for a couple of years so be certain that the trees planted survived to meet site plan requirements.  Miss Nash stated that she had planted an additional seventy-two trees and asked that the Board consider looking at the property before the next Board meeting and consider releasing the lien.  Edward Carrier remarked that all the yards were looking much better and it was nice to see.

A question was asked as to whether a building application was necessary to pour a cement slab.  PersonNameKevin McKinnon remarked that if the slab is poured too close to the boundary line, it would be difficult later to build on.  Anyone putting down a slab would need to be aware of the boundary setbacks, however, no permit would be necessary until a structure was built on the slab.

A discussion ensued regarding what permits were necessary in regards to farming operations.  It was agreed that our regulations do not regulate farming activites; the only time a permit would be necessary would be for an addition to a structure or a fence higher than four feet.  The public health officer would need to be contacted if the matter should be a health issue.


Old Business:

Susan Nash – The Board reviewed the request from the State of New Hampshire to approve or defer the appointment for Susan Nash, doing business as, Eddie Nash & Sons, Inc. as a retail vehicle dealership.  This matter had been tabled last month due to the fact that Miss Nash had indicated that the dealership would be operated from all five lots owned by Eddie Nash & Sons on Route 26.  Since that time, Miss Nash indicated in writing that the vehicles will be stored on Lot 108 (previously approved for storage in 2002).  The other lots are where the vehicles will be worked upon. She stated that the business had had dealer plates in the past and would like to go back to them.  Miss Nash related that dealer plates would enable them to get vehicles home from auctions; the supplemental utility plate they currently use only allows them to demonstrate to customers. The office would be located at 331 Route 26.

Edward Carrier remarked that Lot 108 should be used strictly for storage only with all sales completed at the garage.  He also stated he understood the business would not be able to have both a utility dealer and retail dealership.  Miss Nash agreed and stated the retail dealer plate can be used on both trailers and trucks.  PersonNameKevin McKinnon stated he understood that the location of the retail business was at 331 Route 26, and if a customer went to Lot 108 and wanted to buy one of the vehicles stored there, the vehicle would need to be brought to the garage at 331 Route 26 to complete the sale.  When asked if the amount of vehicles on Lot 108 would increase, Miss Nash stated it should stay about the same.

Edward Carrier proceeded to review the form from the State of New Hampshire with the Board members.  A notation was made on the form that the sales location was as stated, 331 Route 26, the Colebrook Planning Board agreed to storage of vehicles on Lot 108 and that no other lots were considered in the determination.

David & Christa Howe – The Board reviewed the request from the State of New Hampshire for David and Christa Howe, doing business as DC Trucking, Inc., to have a fleet inspection license at 100 East Colebrook Road.  It was determined that this license allows the Howes to inspect their personal fleet vehicles only – they cannot complete inspections for the public.  This notation was made on the form.

PersonNameKevin McKinnon made a motion to approve the April minutes as written.  PersonNameFrank Dumaine seconded and all present agreed.  The meeting was adjourned at 10 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Sheila M. Beauchemin


Link to Home
Town Hall: 17 Bridge Street, Colebrook, NH 03576
Link to Email Subscriber
Phone: (603) 237 - 4070 Fax: (603) 237 - 5069
Equal Employment Opportunities
Link to Comment Form
Virtual Towns & Schools Website