Town of Colebrook, NH

Robert Hodge – Construct a driveway access road entrance to his property on East Colebrook Road (234-42). Mr. Hodge indicated he wished to place it where a gate currently exists. Public Works Director Kevin McKinnon remarked the area would meet the line of sight. Roland Cotnoir made a motion to approve the permit; Kevin McKinnon seconded and all present agreed. APPROVED - #2008-14

Dennis Bailey – Construct a driveway access road entrance to his property on Russell Road (R12 Lot 91). It was noted the Public Works Director had not had a chance to go look at this site to determine line of sight safety. He did feel, however, there would be no problem. Kevin McKinnon made a motion to approve the permit, conditional on the placement meeting town specifications. Roland Cotnoir seconded the permit and all present agreed. CONDITIONAL APPROVAL - #2008-15

Robert Hodge – 26’ x 40’ residence with two bedrooms to be placed on his property on East Colebrook Road (234-42). Mr. Hodge had checked the statement regarding the right-of-way and clarified he was indicating East Colebrook Road. Kevin McKinnon made a motion to approve the permit, conditional on receiving State of New Hampshire approval for construction for the septic system. Roland Cotnoir seconded the motion and all present agreed. CONDITIONAL APPROVAL - #2008-16

Dean Stockwell – 12’ x 50’ greenhouse to be placed on his property at 457 Diamond Pond Road (R2 Lot 20). Mr. Stockwell explained he hoped to extend the growing season, possibly to all winter long, by putting up a more substantial structure than a usual greenhouse, perhaps glass rather than plastic. Chairman Ouellet asked if the greenhouse would be for commercial or personal use. Mr. Stockwell remarked he planned to sell to the new Coop and Farmer’s Market and use produce for his own consumption. Chairman Ouellet stated he felt this type of endeavor could be considered partially commercial, and as such, would require, at a minimum, a site plan waiver. Since Mr. Stockwell’s acreage is substantial and has been used as a farm in the past, no problems were foreseen. The waiver of septic was accepted, even though water would be available within the greenhouse, due to the fact that there is no living space.

The question of the fee necessary for this endeavor was then discussed. Mr. Stockwell explained that all the members of the Coop have a concern regarding the fees for this type of permit as it could become a stumbling block to new agricultural incentives. He felt the cost of prep work to build the structure should also be taken into consideration, with his costing in the area of $1,000.

Julie Moran, speaking for Coop members, remarked that a large greenhouse, being considered commercial, could generate a permit fee of $200. She felt this cost was prohibitive for a four-year life structure and agricultural type endeavor. She further explained that the North country Farm Fresh Products Coop is an endeavor encompassing from Pittsburg to Jefferson, with Colebrook being the center. It is their goal to improve the status of farmers by working co-actively and getting the area back to agriculture. Over the next two years, more people will be involved and it is hoped the Planning Board will waive the fees for these pioneers. Any greenhouse with a footprint on the ground and/or permanent watering system would be considered commercial ventures. Most greenhouses involved with the Coop will be high-tunnel greenhouses, non-permanent, needing to have the plastic replaced about every four years. Chairman Ouellet agreed that he would hate to see the lose of the agriculture culture in the area, but he questioned if the Coop was non-profit. Mrs. Moran remarked the project does currently have a non-profit status for the next two years.

Kevin McKinnon remarked the Board would probably have to look at the greenhouse permitting process (and fee) on a case by case basis. It was not conceivable the Board would grant a waiver each time as it would depend on the type of structure and use. Roland Cotnoir remarked he felt this venture could create jobs; and if waiving the fee helps, the Board should waive the fee. Mike Ouellet worried that the Board might be setting a precedent by waiving the fee.

Kevin McKinnon made a motion to approve the permit, waiving the fee; Roland Cotnoir seconded and all present agreed. Chairman Ouellet reminded Mr. Stockwell he would need to come in for a site plan waiver prior to selling produce. APPROVED - #2008-17

David Noon – 16’ x 24’ one-bedroom camp with walk-out basement to be placed on their property on Route 3 North (R7 Lot 4-6). It was noted the driveway permit had been issued by the State of New Hampshire and Mr. Noon’s right-of-way is off that access. A state approval for construction of a septic system was also received. Kevin McKinnon made a motion to approve the permit; Roland Cotnoir seconded and all present agreed. APPROVED - #2008-18

Lisa Starling – 9’ x 12’ shed on Lot 17 at Windsor Park Estates. A letter of permission was attached from landowner, Castmin Realty. Kevin McKinnon made a motion to approve the permit; Roland Cotnoir seconded and all present agreed. APPROVED - #2008-19

Lisa Starling – Transfer 9’ x 12’ deck which was located on her home that burned on Route 145 to the trailer on Lot 17 at Windsor Park Estates. A letter of permission was attached from the landowner, Castmin Realty. Kevin McKinnon made a motion to approve the permit, waiving the fee due to the circumstance; Roland Cotnoir seconded and all present agreed. APPROVED - #2008-20

David & Jennifer Santamaria - 16’ x 32’ two-story shed on their property on Bear Rock Road (R3 Lot 28). Mr. Santamaria remarked they are replacing a building lost earlier to a fire, but moving it to the other side of the road. It would be used for a commercial venture. Kevin McKinnon made a motion to approve the permit; Roland Cotnoir seconded and all present agreed. APPROVED - #2008-21

Brian LaPerle – 32’ x 48’ three-bedroom home with a 30’ x 36’ garage to be placed on his property on LaPerle Drive. Mr. LaPerle has applied for a water hook-up from the Town of Colebrook and a septic is in the process of being designed by Leo MacKinnon. It was noted there is currently an old barn on the same piece of property. Kevin McKinnon made a motion to approve the permit, conditional on receiving approval from the State of NH for the septic design; Roland Cotnoir seconded and all present agreed. CONDITIONAL APPROVAL - #2008-22

H. Sarah Gagne / Melanie Valliant – 26’ x 96’ greenhouse, metal structure, covered with plastic on their property at 85 Angels Road (R6 Lot 2). Ms. Gagne noted their home and a quonset hut currently is on this property. She continued that the greenhouse will be used to raise food for their personal use. Later on, they are considering adding a small 10’ x 30’ space to the greenhouse as a place to clean the vegetables. She also stated they are part of the Coop.

Kevin McKinnon remarked, since this is not commercial and everyone in the past who put up greenhouses for personal use were charged, the fee should be remitted. It was noted the fee would be $124.80. Julie Moran remarked she felt they should be a standardized fee for greenhouses rather than by square feet due to the excessive fee. Ms. Gagne also remarked she felt the fee was excessive for a short-term used structure which would need to have the plastic replaced every 4-5 years. With no heating system, it will be used as a cold frame in the winter.

Chairman Ouellet suggested the permit be conditionally approved with the applicant being notified later as to the fee required, if any. Kevin McKinnon so moved with a second from Roland Cotnoir. All present agreed. CONDITIONAL APPROVAL - #2008-23

Dennis Bailey / RDB Realty Trust - 26’ x 44’ three-bedroom ranch home to be placed on his property on Russell Road (R12 Lot 91). A notation on the application indicated North Country Septic Design was working on the septic system design. Kevin McKinnon made a motion to approve the permit, conditional on receiving the State of NH approval for construction of a septic system; Roland Cotnoir seconded and all present agreed. CONDITIONAL APPROVAL - #2008-24

Michael Williams – 26’ x 32’ saltbox two-bedroom log-sided home to be placed on his property on Leigh Lane (R11 Lot 39). It was noted the application lacked the front and left property setbacks. Perk tests had been completed. Roland Cotnoir made a motion to approve the permit, conditional on receiving the state approval for construction of the septic system and completion of the application with the proper setbacks; Kevin McKinnon seconded and all present agreed. CONDITIONAL APPROVAL - #2008-25

Lemieux Garage – 20’ x 70’ lean-to style storage shed to be placed on the property on 161 Main Street (U8 Lot 145). Kevin McKinnon made a motion to approve the permit; Roland Cotnoir seconded and all present agreed. APPROVED - #2008-26

JoAnne Hill – Extend Permit #2007-34 to build a 24’ x 24’ garage on Piper Hill. Mrs. Hill indicated the construction would begin this May and completed over the summer. Roland Cotnoir made a motion to extend the permit for one year, or until a certificate of occupancy is received, whichever comes first; Kevin McKinnon seconded the motion and all present agreed. EXTENDED to May 2009

Susan Nash – Add seven feet to front of living room and three feet to front of bedroom with an overall length of 28-30 feet on the residence at 129 Hughes Road (R6 Lot 52). Kevin McKinnon made a motion to approve the permit; Roland Cotnoir seconded and all present agreed. APPROVED - #2008-27

Arthur Beauchemin – 28’ x 36’ three-sided pole barn to be built on his property at 67 Diamond Pond Road (R12 Lot 31C). Kevin McKinnon made a motion to approve the permit; Roland Cotnoir seconded and all present agreed. APPROVED - #2008-28

Stephen Georges – 16’ x 24’ barn style storage shed to be placed on his property on Maple Ridge Road (R7 Lot 14). Kevin McKinnon made a motion to approve the permit, conditional on receiving a signed septic waiver; Roland Cotnoir seconded and all present agreed. CONDITIONAL APPROVAL - #2008-29

Kheops International Inc. – Place a 2’ x 4’ illuminated sign, stating “Smart Energy NE LLC”, on the same post, underneath the “Cooper Leaf” sign, located at 232 Trooper Leslie Lord Memorial Highway. It was questioned if this would create the sign to be larger than allowed by regulation; however, due to the fact it is a separate sign, it will not. Roland Cotnoir made a motion to approve the permit; Kevin McKinnon seconded the motion and all present agreed. APPROVED - #2008-30

North Country Community Recreation Center – Place a 4’ x 8’ illuminated sign at the corner of Lynch Road and Route 3 North. William Sambito remarked that the owners of the property had given permission for the original sign, which will be replaced with this one. The Board decided that a new letter of permission was necessary. It was also noted the placement should be checked by the Public Works Director to be sure that the line of sight is not impeded. Kevin McKinnon made a motion to approve the permit, conditional on receiving the letter of permission from the landowner and placement being checked for line of sight; Roland Cotnoir seconded and all present agreed. CONDITIONAL APPROVAL - #2008-31

Norman Broome – Place a 4’ x 5’ illuminated sign, stating “Norm’s Heating, Refrigeration, Plumbing Supplies” on his property at 218 Main Street. It was indicated in the drawing that “changeable display specials” would be part of the sign; however, it was not clear if this was part of, or in addition to, the 4’ x 5’ sign. Kevin McKinnon made a motion to approve the permit for a sign whose overall square footage would not exceed twenty square feet. Mike Ouellet seconded and all present agreed. APPROVED - #2008-32

A question was raised as to whether a sign placed on Route 3 North from the intersection of Route 26 needed state approval. Per the State of New Hampshire, Route 3 South from intersection of Route 26 is controlled by State of NH “Outdoor Advertising Rules”. Route 3 North from the intersection of Route 26 and Route 26 itself does not come under that control, but are considered secondary roads.

Farmers’ Market (submitted by Elaine Haynes) – Place a 4’ x 4’ sign at the upper driveway for Northern Tire, perpendicular to the road. Permission from the landowner was attached. Kevin McKinnon made a motion to approve the permit and waive the fee; Roland Cotnoir seconded and all present agreed. APPROVED - #2008-33

George L. O’Neil Post 62, American Legion - Place a 4’ x 6’ sign on wooden posts on the front lawn at 9 Pleasant Street. Kevin McKinnon made a motion to approve the permit and waive the fee; Roland Cotnoir seconded and all present agreed. APPROVED - #2008-34

Shawn Kopp’s certificate of occupancy for a camper with addition was reviewed for approval. It was noted the furnace inspection line had not been completed. It was a consensus of the Board that the furnace within the camper should be inspected by the fire chief as now required by the State of New Hampshire prior to the Board approving the certificate of occupancy. Also, because a three-hundred gallon holding tank is on site, the Board would like to see the pumping receipts to ascertain the unit is being pumped on a timely basis. Mr. Kopp will be asked to obtain the signature and bring in receipts prior to the Board reviewing the form once again.