Westmoreland Planning Board Minutes

June 9, 2009

 

Present: Bruce Smith, Russ Kotfila, Bob Harcke, Nancy Zeller, Lauren Bressett

Guest: Russ Austin

 

Meeting called to order at 7:35:

 

In Lori’s absence, Bob agreed to chair the meeting and Lauren took minutes.

 

Russ moved, Bruce seconded that the May 12 minutes be accepted as printed, motion passed.

 

NEW BUSINESS:                  

Lisa Hix- questions regarding property for sale on Hurricane Rd. Ms. Hix was not present.

 

Selectboard report

Russell property R10 16-1 & 2 - Abutter complaint about whether a common driveway permit was granted. It appears Gary Hudson had granted a driveway permit for Andy Russell lot 2. There is a question about whether a shared driveway was granted. It was noted in Planning Board minutes of August 2008 that the requirement of a driveway permit was waived for purpose of accepting application as complete. The application was accepted and subsequently the subdivision was accepted, however this was not a site plan review. If the intent is for a shared driveway, by ordinance a special exception is required from the Zoning Board. The selectmen will follow up with this.

 

Liquor license- selectmen gave one month trial for outside liquor service for the new BBQ restaurant on Rt 12. If selectmen decide to approve this for a longer length of time, the Planning Board will require a site plan review.

 

Shared driveways – The selectmen now have an up to date list and are clarifying requirements for identification with 911.

 

Dagget Hill – in pretrial.

 

Selectmen will be setting up occasional meetings of planning, zoning, and building inspector to enhance collaboration.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Sign Ordinances – It was decided that business views on these ordinances would be gathered via a letter and survey to businesses with a follow up from the zoning administrator if necessary. Lauren shared a draft letter. The Board decided that the ordinance should be included on the letters. The industrial park letter should go to the park owner. .

 

Affordable Housing – Bob attended the regional informational session, Lauren attended the end of it and has handouts that will be mailed to the board. Discussion on this continued as to best approach and what town perspective was felt to be.  Lauren distributed a chart showing Westmoreland factors in relation to the region. The board wants to see what the status of Monadnock Conservancy’s project over the past year was and include this information in our discussions. Perhaps an ordinance for multifamily units and accessory apartments might be worth exploring.

 

Ordinance review – the board needs to clarify definition and guidelines for shared driveways. Lauren mentioned some samples from other towns that included requirements for both deeds to reflect joint easements and maintenance responsibility.

 

It was noted that time was getting tight for finishing this project in time for town meeting. The board decided to set a work meeting for Thursday, July 9, 6 pm to finish review and begin ordinance changes.

 

Russ moved, Nancy seconded that future Planning Board meetings will begin at 7 pm. Motion passed.

 

Meeting adjourned at 9:17.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Lauren Bressett

Secretary Pro Tem