WESTMORELAND PLANNING BOARD

May 13, 2008

Present: Chair Lauren Bressett, Bruce Smith, Robert Harcke, Russ Austin, Nancy Zeller, and Jim Starkey. Absent: Walter Derjue and Laurie Burt.

Audience: June Hammond, Beverly Martin, and Richard Cate.

Chair Lauren Bressett called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.

MINUTES: The Board reviewed the minutes of May 13, 2008. Robert Harcke moved to accept the minutes as read. Seconded by Jim Starkey. All in favor, so voted.

HEARING: Kathleen Heidi Watts – Subdivision. As Ms. Watts could not make the meeting. David Main represented Ms. Watts on the proposed subdivision. The request was to subdivide R14-8 in two lots. R14-9 to be a 12.44 acre lot and R14-8-1 to be a 5.12 acre lot. Ms. Watts also requested a partial waiver for a portion of Item 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 of the Minor Subdivision checklist. Both lots meet the frontage, acreage, and setback requirements.

After review of the application, Jim Starkey moved to approve the request for the partial wavier for Checklist #8 which involves showing wetlands on Map R14-Lot 8-1. Seconded b Bruce Smith. All in favor, so voted. Checklist #9 – Test pits are not needed as property is over five acres – Jim Starkey moved to the entire waiver. Robert Harcke seconded the motion. All in favor, so voted. Article #10 –Motion to waive site plan review was made by Jim Starkey. Seconded by Nancy Zeller. All in favor, so voted.

Checklist #11 is a part of checklist 9. Jim moved to approve, seconded by Nancy Zeller. All in favor, so voted.

Checklist #12 – Jim Starkey moved to approve a driveway with stipulations. All discussion Mr. Starkey withdrew his motion.

Bruce Smith moved to accept the application as complete. .Seconded by Jim Starkey. All in favor to accept application as submitted, so voted.

Beverly Martin asked if the proposal required more land for road frontage. Lauren Bressett informed Ms. Martin the road frontage conforms to the Zoning Regulations for a subdivision.

Jim Starkey moved to approve the subdivision contingent written approve from the Road Agent of an acceptable driveway permit. Copy of written approve to be submitted to the Planning Board. Seconded by Bruce Smith. All in favor, so voted.

MAP R3 LOT 42-2: 982 Route 63: It is the Boards understanding the apartment at the above location is being rented out. A site plan approval was given for the apartment with the condition was it would be used by “immediate family” only. The Board will request the Selectmen write to the landowner, John Mills, for clarification as to the rental status.

CONSERVANCY MEETING: Robert Harcke, a member of the Conservancy informed the Board the Conservancy would be meeting the following week. He asked what kind of input the Board would like him to ask. Discussion followed. Some items were: Planned Unit Development, Preserving Open Space. Mr. Harcke indicated the input (role) is to make sure the intent and desires of the town are applied. Revising the Master Plan was discussed. One of the items for discussion - Multi Family vs. Multi Uses.

CERSOSIMO SITE PLAN VISIT: The Board did a site plan visit to the proposed increase to the Cersosimo pit on River Road. It was noted the abutters span the boarder of two towns. The extension of the gravel pit will only be in Westmoreland. There was a question regarding a Bond for reclamation. Questioned whether there was a bond required when it pit originally opened. Research will be done to for next meeting.

Johnny Cake Road was mention. Cersosimo informed the Board if indeed they got approval for the pit extension there would be no Westmoreland tax money used to maintain the condition of Johnny Cake Road. This would be paid for by Cersosimo. If the Westmoreland Highway does any upgrading the cost will be billed to, and reimbursed by Cersosimo. The Board was impressed with the pit and the shape.

ELECTIONS: Jim Starkey moved to approve the following: Chairperson – Lauren Bressett, Vice Chair – Laurie Burt. Seconded by Bruce Smith. All in favor, so voted.

The Board noted the change in the Zoning Meeting date: The Zoning Board now meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month as needed.

NEW BUSINESS:

There has been a complaint of violation of the Planning and Zoning regulations regarding Natural Building systems on Old Route 12. Map 17 Lot 17C. The lot has a “building from which a business selling auto parts was given approve by the Planning and Zoning Board. The Planning Board will request the Board of Selectmen write to the owners to bring the business/building in compliance with the conditions of approve for the operation.

Bruce Smith moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Jim Starkey. All in favor, meeting adjourned at 9:10 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine Moore

Secretary

(These are unapproved minutes. Any changes or corrections will be shown in the minutes of June 10, 2008 minutes.)