WESTMORELAND PLANNING BOARD

Minutes of April 8, 2008

Present: Lauren Bressett, Robert Harcke, Bruce Smith, Jim Starkey, Nancy Zeller, Russ Austin and Alternate Walter Derjue

Chair Lauren Bressett called the meeting to order at 7:35 pm. Corrections were made to the meeting minutes of March 11, 2008. Walter moved to approve the minutes with the noted changes. Seconded by Nancy. All in favor, so voted.

Cersosimo Informational Session – Michael Cersosimo from Cersosimo and Andrew Geffert from SVE Associates explained their plans. Also in attendance were: Doug Wilkes, Gary Hudson – Road Agent, Linda Moody. Cersosimo would like to expand the pit into the L shaped area and widen the current pit. This would allow for a more usable area left after reclamation with wider flat floor between the slopes left behind. They would still honor the 200 foot buffer area established previously. This would allow access to approximately 200,000 yards of additional material before they would do reclamation. They do have the right to go down another level or two. The biggest issue with the planned expansion would be water storage, especially for 100 year storms. The Plan would be to build two additional run off ponds at the opposite end of the pit, to function like the current pond system, with the first pond being the collection pond, the second pond to collect runoff from the first which would then through a sand drainage pipe. It would require a lager culvert (from current 18” to a 24”) pipe under Johnycake Road. The existing culvert on River Road is more than adequate. They have already met with Gary Hudson, and Gary agreed that he would work with them to install the culvert once Cersosimo purchased it.

Jim questioned what state inspection or approval process they currently operated under. Michael Cersosimo explained that plans must be submitted to the state for approval, with updates every 2 years and every 6 years an as build plan. The last site visit from the state was about 2 ½ years ago.

Doug Wilkes questioned the reclamation plans and the need to so the slopes along the way rather than all at the end. It was explained that most of the slopes except the side in Chesterfield are pretty active and that it doesn’t make sense to finish them off only to have them reopened. Doug did agree that the pit has been maintained and well kept. Lauren asked about rough age of excavation still planned. The reply was 2 years or so. Cersosimo does have plans to talk to the 5 major abbuttors before their application hearing. It was pointed out that there have been truck traffic complaints and that efforts made by the pit owner/operator might help with the issue. It was pointed out that there is little control that Cersosimo has over subcontracted drivers but there is a driver information sheet that they used for Chesterfield that might be helpful, and it was agreed that might be a useful attachment to the application.

It was decided that a site visit would be helpful before the application hearing. This visit was set up for April 17^th at 5 pm.

Moody informational meeting re: R4-6.Tom Duffield from TF Moran presented, Linda Moody also present. The lot is currently one deed, tentative plan is for a 3 lot subdivision of the property off the Lord Cemetary Road with planned 13, 12, and 6 ½ acre lots formed. Two of the lots have adequate frontage along the Lord Cemetary Road, the third lot is fronted along the abandoned part of the road that reverted back to the centerline to deedholders. This piece has 28 feet along Spofford Road and they would like this to be access for the driveway for the third lot. They would also like waivers for surveying and wetlands identification.

Gary Hudson was asked about the status of the road. Lord Cemetary Road currently is class 5 to the house, class 6 to the cemetery, and abandoned after the cemetery. This means that upgrade of the road would be required for subdivision approval. They agreed to walk the road with Gary to clarify what improvements would be expected. A 1990 survey does exist. They are willing to do a boundary monument identification but would also like to identify existing brook but avoid wetlands surveying. The board indicated that surveyed and identified subdivision lines and a full plan of the 5 acre areas of each piece considered the area for intended development for home sites would be required including wetlands delineation and contours. This would not be expected of the backland.

Doug Wilkes requested information regarding a possible subdivision of his 4 acre commercial property on Route 12. It is currently a dual use property with a house on the 315’ frontage along Old Mill Brook Road and the business off the 600’ of frontage on Route 12. The plan would be to pretty much split the lot along the natural ridgeline, with approximately 2 acres of the upper flat area kept for the commercial use and the 2 acres of lower flat land kept for the house. The board pointed out that the lot is nonconforming in relation to a single family residence in the commercial zone but is conforming for the commercial use and the 2 acres of the flat area kept for the commercial use and the 2 acrea of the lower flat land kept for the house. The board pointed out that the lot is nonconforming in relation to a single family residence in the commercial zone but is conforming for the commercial use. However, since residential use requires the standards for rural residential including 500’ frontage and 5 acres, that the issue belongs with the Zoning Board. While the planning board is not against his concept, it would set precedent and not be in keeping with recent residential approvals made in the area.

A letter from the town attorney regarding a recent Supreme Court decision was read and a discussion of the implications for the board was held.

Jim Starkey asked for an update on the Gladke sign issue. The board does want this issue researched and a letter sent to the Gladke’s about this issue.

A question was raised about the status of the Mill’s property and whether the rental apartment was a legal use. The board requested that the secretary research this and if appropriate, a letter to the selectmen requesting action be sent.

Meeting adjoined at 9:25.