December 1, 2009 Planning Board Minutes
Chairman Kevin McKinnon opened the meeting at 7 pm. Board members present were Danny Lyons, Sandra Riendeau, John Jolles alternate Charles Baldwin and Selectmen Mike Ouellet.
Others present were David Brooks, Dana Masson and Sheila Beauchemin.
Building Permits:
Ruth Lewis – 5’ tall page-wire fence to be placed around the back yard at 16 Hill Avenue. Mrs. Lewis stated that part of the fence is on the abutter’s property and gave a signed statement from Sylvia Collins for the temporary fence. Mike Ouellet made a motion to approve the permit; Sandra Riendeau seconded and all present agreed. APPROVED - #2009-69
Mary & Ronald Haynes – 4’ x 19’ wheelchair ramp with roof off existing deck to be placed on their residence at 29 Deer Run Road. Mike Ouellet made a motion to approve the permit and waive the fee. Sandra Riendeau seconded and all present agreed. APPROVED - #2009-70
Town of Colebrook – 6’ x 6’ x 4’ x 10’ v-shaped cement pad to set plow at corner of Transfer Street. John Jolles made a motion to approve the permit; Sandra Riendeau seconded and all present agreed. APPROVED - #2009-71
Conceptuals:
PA Hicks & Sons – Surveyor Dana Masson presented a conceptual boundary line adjustment between the property owned by PA Hicks & Sons at 9 Merrill Street and properties owned by James T. and James D. Barba at 47 Park Street and 45 Park Street respectively. PA Hicks and Sons is proposing to add a small section from each of the Barba’s lots to the lumberyard to straighten the boundary line. Kevin McKinnon noted that currently the properties located at 45 and 47 Park Street are grandfathered; however, the proposed boundary-line adjustment would, in effect, create two new lots. The two newly created lots would not be in compliance with the current zoning ordinance requiring all lots to have 150-foot road frontage. Two options were offered: (1) apply to the the Zoning
Board of Adjustment for a variance; (2) complete a voluntary merger.
NH Electric Coop – Surveyor Dana Masson presented a conceptual site plan for NH Electric Coop who proposes to place a 60-foot maximum telecommunications tower on Ronald Haynes property on Hughes Road. This tower will facilitate communication between Mudget Mountain and their office. Chairman McKinnon stated that the Town of Colebrook does not require a site plan for the placement of towers; however, a shelter building or cement pad for placement of the towers requires the issuance of a building permit. The written statement from the landowner would also be necessary when or if these permits are applied for.
Review of Possible Zoning Ordinance Changes:
Once again the Board looked at the issue of the potential liability created for the Town with the use of the certificate of occupancy form. It is understood the Town of Colebrook has not adopted enforcement of the State Building Code or any local codes and it was questioned if it might be adviseable for the Board to suggest elimination of the certificate of occupancy section within the ordinance. One suggestion was to add a line to the building permit for tradesmen to sign; however, this option would appear to still have the Town accepting liability. Charles Baldwin felt builders need to be accountable to someone. Kevin McKinnon proposed the Board put a statement on the building permit such as, “It is suggested by the Board that you hire licensed tradesmen who are cognizant of the
State Building Code”.
All Board members were in agreement that the current form entitled “Application for Building Permit” should be changed to “Zoning Certificate of Compliance” to better reflect the purpose of the form.
It was agreed to hold a public hearing as required by statute for the proposed changes to the Town of Colebrook Zoning Ordinance before placing changes on the official town meeting ballot. This hearing will be held at the regular scheduled meeting on January 5, 2010. Sheila will check with the Local Government Center for the wording necessary.
Old Business:
David Brooks approached the Board to find out the status of the driveway access off Titus Hill completed earlier this fall by Mike Grandmaison. Chairman McKinnon explained that the subdivision plan showed the access location across from the High Street intersection. Mr. Grandmaison has been informed verbally that the access he has constructed must be removed, and a letter reiterating this will be sent this week. It has been noted by Public Works that a berm has been placed across the unpermitted access; however, it is far enough up to still allow vehicles to pull in and back out. Mr. Grandmaison will be asked to rectify this also.
Mr. Brooks also commented that the Stop sign at the High Street / Titus Hill turn has not been replaced as of yet. Mr. Brooks was informed that the Selectmen had agreed the Stop sign at the Spring Street / Titus Hill entrance would be changed to a Yield Sign.
James Jeffers’ certificates of occupancy have been returned once more without the licensed trades signature(s) or NH master license number(s). The form now contains a note that these are Turnkey modular homes from Maine. Chairman McKinnon will hand deliver the incomplete certificate of occupancies to Mr. Jeffers, explaining that, at a minimum, a letter from the Turnkey company stating who the local NH tradesman was is necessary.
The completed certificate of occupancy for David and Gail Purrington was reviewed and signed.
New Business:
Brad Montague will be notified of a possible zoning ordinance violation for a sign placed on his property at the intersection of South Main Street and Route 3 without a permit.
The Board reviewed the proposed budget for 2010, agreeing to lower costs from $11,244 to $5,850. Currently, postage fees are paid at the time of application review and acceptance. It was questioned if it was possible to have all fees paid in advance so this line item could be reduced.
Mike Ouellet made a motion to approve the November 3 minutes with the amendment that Kevin McKinnon entered the meeting late. Sandra Riendeau seconded and all present agreed.
All Board members were made aware of the requirements that any change or addition to an existing business requires a site plan.
Respectfully submitted,
Sheila M. Beauchemin
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