July 28, 2008 Special Planning Board Meeting
Vice Chair Kevin McKinnon opened the meeting shortly after 7 pm. Board members present were Sandra Riendeau and Selectman Roland Cotnoir.
Others present were Lisa Gravel, Daniel Hebert, Claire Lynch, Clay Hinds, Pat Gadwah, Mike Olasin, Brett Brooks, Perry Richardson and Sheila Beauchemin.
Driveway Permit:
45th Parallel EMS – Construct a driveway access road entrance to the property located on Ramsay Road, identified as R7 Lot 18. The Public Works Director had viewed the site and recommended that a twelve-inch twenty-foot (minimum) culvert be installed. The line of sight was found to be adequate. Roland Cotnoir made a motion to approve the permit; Sandra Riendeau seconded and all present agreed. APPROVED - #2008-54
Building Permit:
Neil Couture – Place a 14’ x 68’ two-bedroom mobile home on his property on Ramsey Road (202-23). It was noted that approval for construction of a septic system had been received. Roland Cotnoir made a motion to approve the permit; Sandra Riendeau seconded and all present agreed. APPROVED - #2008-55
Jim Salonia – Amend Permit #2008-53 to state a 6’ x 6’ pad for a windmill on his property at 794 Reed Road instead of a 4’ x 4’ pad. Roland Cotnoir made a motion to approve amending the permit; Sandra Riendeau seconded and all present agreed. AMENDED
Christian Fletcher - Mr. Fletcher did not appear before the Board, probably as this was a special meeting. Kevin McKinnon informed the Board that Mr. Fletcher had been to see him on Tuesday, July 22, regarding septic for the proposed two structures to be placed on his property on Route 145. Kevin informed Mr. Fletcher there is no septic line available on Route 145. It would be necessary for Mr. Fletcher to obtain as easement either from Lewis & Woodard or Emile Legere, and the Board would need to review these easements before they could consider his building permit. Mr. Fletcher informed Mr. McKinnon that he also had not heard anything from the State of NH in regards to driveways.
Sign Permits:
Strategic Signage – Place a 1’ 3” x 3’ 0” sign, stating “Fairpoint Communications” on the building located at 197 Main Street. Sandra Riendeau made a motion to approve the permit; Roland Cotnoir seconded and all present agreed. APPROVED - #2008-56
Strategic Signage – Place a 2’ 0” x 1’ 6” sign, stating “Fairpoint Communications – Private Property …” on the building located at 197 Main Street. Sandra Riendeau made a motion to approve the permit; Roland Cotnoir seconded and all present agreed. APPROVED - #2008-57
Site Plan Public Hearing:
45th Parallel EMS – Vice Chair McKinnon opened the public hearing concerning the property on Ramsay Road, currently owned by David and Julie Brunault. It is proposed to use this site for an emergency medical services facility.
Perry Richardson explained the design put forward had been completed by Daniel Hebert Inc. It shows one main entrance at the northern side of the property to access a drive-through facility with two doors on each end of the structure. The emergency exit to be used by the ambulances is located on the south side of the property. Mr. Richardson noted that the parking lot had been placed so that there is no access to the southerly exit (emergency exit). He remarked that the line of sight on to Ramsay Road for both accceses is good once a few trees at the road edge are removed. It is proposed to place a sign advertising the facility at the northern corner.
Mr. Richardson noted the septic system design had not been completed for the facility as of yet, but it is hoped to place it so that it is not beneath the parking area. Kevin McKinnon noted that the septic could not be placed on the south side of the property due to drainage since there is a brook located on that side. Mr. Hebert noted there is a little treatment pond for run-off indicated on the plan in the northern corner.
Mr. Richardson continued that, with the lay of the land, it is proposed to put the EMS facility on a slab rather than a tiered building as first suggested. The basic design proposed is for four ambulances. There is potential for a mezamine level in the future for storage if needed. Snow storage is indicated at the northern and southern corners in front of the facility. It is proposed to place the well at the back of the property, behind the facility. Grade work and sloping will mean that no retaining wall is necessary. The plan indicates two exterior pole lights; however, Mr. Hebert stated he felt lights on the building only would be sufficient.
Kevin McKinnon asked how much area would be disturbed in reference to site specific regulations. Mr. Hebert responded it would be well under two acres and site specific should not be triggered.
Pat Gadwah, abutter, expressed concern regarding increased traffic and the fact that she exits from a hidden driveway. Mike Olasin reiterated that the ambulance would be exiting from the southerly exit away from Mrs. Gadwah’s driveway. He stated there would be two to three people a day in the building with a once a month staff meeting with perhaps 15-20 people. It was clarified that, in rare emergencies, it might be necessary for the ambulance to use the northern exit; however, it is proposed that they leave from the southern exit onto Ramsay Road, then exit the southern exit of Ramsay Road to Route 3.
Kevin McKinnon made note that, because David and Julie Brunault still retain ownership of the land at this time, it was necessary for the Planning Board to have a letter from them stating it was okay for EMS to begin this project on their property.
Roland Cotnoir made a motion to approve the site plan as presented, conditional on receiving a letter of approval from the landowners. Sandra Riendeau seconded and all present agreed.
New Business:
The Board reviewed the inquiry from Indian Stream Health Center asking for the Town of Colebrook ordinances or regulations for portable generators. It was determined that the town does not regulate portable generators; however, if a structure or four-foot or higher fence is built around the unit, a building application needs to be completed.
Correspondence in regards to regulation of small windmills was shared with the Board. Currently the town has no regulations; however, it is understood that if we did, our residents would qualify for grant money to install alternative energy sources. Model ordinances will be drafted by the Office of Energy & Planning in the near future. Public hearings would need to be warned regarding any changes to the Town Ordinance prior to January 2009 so that the change could be put before the townspeople at the March Town Election.
Kevin McKinnon distributed an update on the Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act. Recent amendments will affect the use of all land within 250 feet from the riverbank, and the Board needs to be aware when reviewing applications. Sheila will see if she can obtain a list of rivers and streams incorporated under this Protection Act.
The Board reviewed the information from the State Fire Marshall’s office regarding the gas fitters licensing process. The Board consensus was a line should be added to the Certificate of Occupancy requiring a signature of the licensed gas fuel fitter, along with the gas fitter license number.
The Board reviewed a letter from John Angevine regarding the Antique Tractor Show to be held on September 13th at the Legion Lot on Colby Street. It was determined no permits were necessary for this one-day event.
Roland Cotnoir made a motion to approve the minutes for July 1, 2008 meeting as written. Sandra Riendeau seconded and all agreed.
The meeting was adjourned at 8 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Sheila M. Beauchemin
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