Wilton Planning Board

November 16, 2005

 

Non-approved minutes

 

Wilton Town Hall at 7:30pm.

 

Members present:         Co-Chairperson Brian Sullivan, Alec MacMartin, Alt. David Holder, Andrew Fairbanks, Neil Faiman, Selectmen’s Rep. Dan Donovan and NRPC Rep. Steve Wagner. 

                                    Mr. David Holder is on the Board for Matt Fish.

 

Tom Quinn, Lots C-99-1 & C-99-2, Wilton Center Road-60 Day

Reclamation plan approved with 60-day review

 

VOTE: Mr. MacMartin moved to continue to the Dec. 21, 2005 meeting. Mr. Faiman seconded the motion. Mr. Donovan opposed. Motion carried.

 

House by the Side of the Road – Lot F-27

Change of use

 

Mr. Donovan is off the Board.

Abby MacFarland was present.

 

Selectmen Donovan provide background from a BOS meeting and correspondence from Attorney Little with concern the license should go before town meeting.

 

The plan shows what is at the site now. The internal access is discontinued. Parking in front will be relocated. A walkway is provided.

 

The Board inquired about curb C-1 and Mrs. MacFarland gave an explanation.

 

No abutters were present.

 

VOTE: Mr. MacMartin made a motion to approve the plan. Mr. Faiman seconded it. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Plans were signed. Fees: $398.75 due to TOW-check #373 paid. The Board will not record the site plan.

 

Mr. Donovan is back on the Board.

 

Richard R. Tuttle, Sr. Trustee & Wilson Sullivan, Trustee Lot F-32

Subdivision

 

Dawn Tuomala was present and reviewed changes since last meeting.

 

The common driveway easement was done in August but a few changes were made such as drainage easements to the title. There are two titles in Section 4 and one paragraph in Section 5 that incorporates the language for driveway easements. Town counsel will review changes. 

 

The abutters have come to an agreement. Mr. Bragdon will not be providing an easement. Note 17 says maintenance of existing ditch is a condition of Case 10-13-99-1 ZBA granted to Bragdon to permit access to lot F-32-1 over F-31-1. The drainage is not to affect flow from either property. They also came to an agreement not to change the 12”pipe but to fill on the Tuttle property due to a small puddle.

 

Board suggested making the change “the ditch is on Bragdon’s property”.

 

Ms. Tuomala explained how the culvert and fill would push water to the culvert.

 

The Board is concerned about the water level and slab foundation requirements.

 

Spencer Brookes requested the Conservation Commission to review the plan.

 

VOTE: Mr. MacMartin made a motion to have it sent out to review by Normandeau or recommended substitute. Mr. Fairbanks seconded it. Yes votes were cast by Mr. MacMartin, Mr. Faiman, and Mr. Fairbanks. Opposed were Mr. Donovan and Mr. Holder. Mr. Sullivan abstained. Motion passed.

 

Mr. Tuomala provided two sets of “Tuttle Trust Drainage Calculations”.

 

The Board felt that information related to slab height since the water table is three feet should recorded so the buyer knows what to do with the land. The Board discussed the slab and if there could be a basement. Note 18 will address no basement on the lots and set slab heights as shown on the plan.

 

Mr. Wagner suggested any significant changes in the contour of the property would require an amendment of the plan.

 

To do list:

-Note 17 to cover drainage easement

-Note 18 regarding slab foundation and not basements

-Attorney Little to review the new driveway easement language.

-Note added to contours changes.

 

John & Jessie Garabrant – Lot F-31-1

Change of use-one family to two family dwelling

 

Mr. MacMartin will talk to town counsel regarding rescinding the conditional approval. The town office has been unable to locate the Garabrant's and they have not appeared at the last few meeting despite attempts to inform them to. A number from a former neighbor was provided for John Garabrant 801-5919.

 

VOTE: Mr. MacMartin made a motion to continue to the Dec. 21, 2005 meeting. Mr. Faiman seconded it. Motion carried.

 

Driveway Regulation

 

Dawn Tuomala and Steve Elliott were present. Ms. Tuomala went over changes she made on the document. #1: delete “no” and add “not” after shall 8: delete “sight”. Added the miles per hour speed limit exactly as in the master plan. Strike last sentence on number 14.

 

The proposal will be posted as regular business on the December 21 meeting.

 

Notice 10 days prior to public hearing, once voted on it becomes effective as soon as town clerk has it.

 

 

EXCAVATION RENEWALS

 

Davidson/New Spartan Lot – E-22, E-30 through E-32

 

Tom Quinn was present. Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Quinn toured the pits up for renewal. Mr. Quinn reviewed changes. Mr. Sullivan & Mr. McGettigan had no concerns.

.

VOTE: Mr. MacMartin made a motion to approval the renewal permit on Davidson/New Spartan Pit Lots – E-22, E-30 through E-32. Mr. Holder seconded it. Motion pass unanimously.

 

Abbot Hill Road - Lots E-122-3, F-122, E-121-2

 

Water is all being contained on the site. They are moving along with excavation and with final grades. They plan to be in January for a revised reclamation plan. 

 

VOTE: Mr. MacMartin made a motion to approve the renewal permits. Mr. Holder seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

 

The bonds were turned in last meeting. Mr. Sullivan signed renewal forms and kept copy for town

 

Sign applications:

 

Wilton Heritage Commission.

Phase one of signage around town

 

Michael Dell’Orto and Stanley Young showed signs the Heritage Commission will display on town lot C-80 and the town pound lot. They are white and hand lettered. They are the approx. size of historic marker signs.

 

Further plans are to install signs at Davisville-Frey Mill, West Wilton and on the stone arch bridge.

 

Mr. Donovan read 16.1 A. The ordinance does not apply to the town or state.

 

VOTE: Mr. Donovan moved that no sign application is needed. Mr. Faiman seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

 

 

NEW APPLICATIONS

 

Joe Torre – Lot A-5

Modification to existing gravel pit reclamation

 

Mr. Torre went over the changes in the plans and different water flow. The main changes are due to the fact they did not take out as much gravel as anticipated. There are no changes in original drainage plan; it still goes west to east. The contour is less than original plan. The grass is taking.

 

VOTE: Mr. MacMartin made a motion to grant the two waivers as requested. Mr. Holder seconded it. Motion passed.

 

VOTE: Mr. MacMartin made a motion to accept the revised plan. Mr. Faiman seconded it. Motion passed unanimously.

 

VOTE: Mr. MacMartin made a motion to approve the plan. Mr. Donovan seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

 

Mr. Brookes recommended seething because it is a better product.

 

Olivia Clare’s Natural Soy Candle – Lot J-63

Change of use review for a new business and sign application

 

Property owner Joan Lemire and shop owner George Argondizza were present.

 

Candles will not be made on the site. See file for a letter from Fire Chief Ray Dick. He faxed a generic letter that states he has been in the building when it was an application for an ice cream store and it met approval and sufficient parking. If the Board has a problem with his fax, he can visit the sight tomorrow. The letter states the Fire Dept. has no problem with water access to yellow building. Discussed egress in case of emergency.

 

VOTE: Mr. Donovan moved to accept the plan. Mr. Faiman seconded it. Motion carried unanimously.

 

VOTE: Mr. Donovan moved to approve the plan. Mr. Faiman seconded it. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Fees due: $19.50 for square feet plus abutter fees is due.  11 abutters x $6. NRPC FEE: $133

 

Sign permit for Olivia Clare’s

 

The proposed sign is 22-ft. long x16 inches high. It is cloth and will go over two pillars in the front windows. 

 

It was determined that lot J-63 is a residential district and not in the commercial zone as previously thought. The Board felts it is pre-existing use. Discussion.

 

VOTE: Mr. Donovan moved to table the sign application. Mr. Holder seconded it. Motion carried.

 

The issue can be addressed at Town Meeting and it is something the Board cannot ignore. The approval of the site plan is still good.

 

Mr. Brookes is outraged. He said give small business a chance here. 

 

The Board is not sure if that building was ever zoned commercial. They discussed looking at the rest of Main Street and see if this is the only building with this zoning situation. Mrs. Lemire said there was something there for 40 years. The Board will work on fixing the zoning problem.

 

 

PRE APPLICATIONS

 

John Zavgren-home wedding business

 

Mr. Zavgren lives in West Wilton in the Old Mill building. He was before the Board to inquire about a small home occupation of weddings for 100-150 guests.

 

He discussed parking options with the Board. Big issues would be traffic, noise, and hours of operation. It was suggested that Mr. Zavgren look at the ordinance. The house is in Res/ag zone. He may want to review Matt Fish’s special exception for a home wedding.

 

Come here with site plan. Show where things will occur and have to anticipate and plan for usage and how big an event will be and how many times per year. It was noted that Temple Road is a state highway.

 

 

Granite State Concrete, Inc. – Lot B-12

Excavation Permit

 

Attorney Ari Pollack and the MacLellan brothers were present. Mr. Pollack began by saying he is at a bit of a loss as of how to precede at this time. He had a list of compromises prepared about the application.

 

Mr. Pollack said the first decision contains many issues, which we take objection to and presented our arguments to the Superior Court and that case is was pending. GSC hopes the Board will see the second application as material difference as a number of ways but also as a fresh start as a learning endeavor for sides, not only lengthy and expensive. This application is smaller, shorter, and further from abutters and reactionary to the ordinance and decision.

 

When GSC filed in October, there were only general ordinances. Mr. Pollock felt the timing is interesting that there is a hearing that will prohibit excavation for all areas except select lots. The proposed zone does not fit this lot. “I’m troubled by the seeming timeline of this issue where it appears the Planning Gravel Cmte. And hearing”. With a noticed proposed hearing posted this application does not apply with posted zoning and can not be heard. We were hoping this application can viewed complete and can hold a public hearing tonight or a future date and begin a process of reviewing.

 

Mr. MacMartin and Mr. Pollock discussed Attorney Little’s opinion on the pending case and his recommendation. If GSC appeal wins then their proceedings here are mute.

 

Mr. Pollock “We are hopeful this board would review the new application in a manner in which we would consider it appropriate and would not expose those expansive explanation which is smaller in which you drew those definitions”.

 

Mr. Pollock believes there is substantial precedent to have different parcels reviewed by the Planning Board.

 

He also stated while they have prepared and presented that to the court and will appeal to the court. He felt they can comply with the regulations and stature, there is nothing wrong with the language but with the interpretations.

 

Mr. Pollock feels the posted ordinance blocks us from hear this tonight.

Mr. Pollock asked for answers.

1>                Is the board position that the application cannot be found complete because it cannot comply with posted zoning?

2>                I know when the meeting was but would like to know when the meeting notice was stapled by the Board. He was told the text was posted on Tuesday, November 15, 2005.

 

Mr. MacMartin sees a couple of problems here. Town counsel sent the Board a letter that we shared with you and the Board sees no reason to go against what town counsel suggested. He sees it as two parallel things. We have the appeal and I do not see we need to change our interpretation of the ordinance. Regardless of if, the ordinance was there I opt for waiting. Since it is there that is a reason not to hear it.

 

Mr. MacMartin added that Mr. Pollack may feel the timing is such but this case is here at the time of year this (proposed zoning changes) happens. It is the way the process works and to you it looks suspicious but Town Meeting is in March and that is how it works.

 

Mr. Wagner stated he was not aware of the posting that is being discussed here tonight but he knows the Board was talking back in January and considering zoning changes then. He stated his summery tonight did not take into consideration the new notice. Mr. Wagner also stated the Board heard from town counsel as to if they have the authority to hear the case, as you are appealing. In addition, this falls under the conditions of denial from the other case.

 

Mr. Donovan is troubled by the jurisdictional challenge and said it seemed the activity is the same the only thing is perhaps somewhat less duration and lesser scope but it does not differ. In addition to the posting of the ordinance.

 

Reviewed notices.

 

Mr. MacLellan said “if the Board feels this is a waste of time to consider this application he want to explain the application was applying for a permitted use until yesterday on that lot and we are not by nature people to settle things in court. Moreover, if we cut a new proposal that consider things said in the past few years. We want to work with people and present a proposal that is good for the neighborhood, the town, and the people. Our only intent is to reach solid ground…what is Little says about legal hunch. There is no need for court case if we can get something resolved in this room and that posting yesterday makes it not possible”.

 

Co-Chair Sullivan said that the Board likes to see complaints dropped before they hear more cases. Mr. Pollock said that could have been discussed but it cannot now and requested to withdraw the application with no prejudice to re-file.

 

VOTE: Mr. Donovan made a motion to withdraw the application with no prejudice to re-file. Mr. MacMartin seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

 

Mr. MacLellan added it was discouraging to buy property that was zoned for a piece of use and a zoning change takes that use away.

 

Other Business

 

Wilton Pit Stop

 

Carol Roberts notified the Board that DES has granted a hearing for GSC permit for an additional generator and that hearing will be Thursday, December 15, 6pm at Wilton Town Hall.

 

The Board has put in a request for blasting records for the past few months.

 

John Shepardson wanted to remind the Board that the GSC current operation gave them material that would be for 20 years. He wondered if they do not need the material now why file now.

 

Frog Pond

 

Spencer Brookes for the Wilton Conservation Commission was present. The abutters down steam for along time used land that belongs to Frog Pond. Attorney Will Sullivan suggested to go before Town Meeting to inquire about a lot line adjustment. The four abutters will absorb the cost. The stipulation will be that only single family homes on that land and asking for conservation land. Talked with Monadnock Survey and lawyers about the situation. 

 

It has been permissive use with the Abbots. The Board talked about permissive use cannot go into adverse possession. 

 

The CC feels it is hard to manage that piece of land due to its location and this lot line adjustment prevents excess development on the abutting land.

 

Other Business

 

Chalet Susse ruling

There was a ruling on Chalet Susse. The town won the case. Mr. Faiman moved to thank Brian Sullivan for being an excellent witness in the Chalet Susse case.

 

Storm Water Meeting

 

Dec. 21 at 7:00 p.m. is storm water meeting before the regular meeting

 

Minutes - September

Page 3 line 16: engineered changed to engineer

Page 6 line 42: Steve Desmaris name spelled wrong (Desmaris)

 

VOTE: Mr. MacMartin moved to approve September minutes. Seconded by Mr. Faiman. Unanimously approved.

 

Minutes - October

Page 2 line 32: Bragdon changed to Bragdon

Page 4 lines 29&30: Kadtz changed to Kandt

 

VOTE: Mr. Sullivan moved to approve the October minutes as amended. Seconded by Mr. Donovan. Unanimous approved.

 

VOTE: Mr. MacMartin move to adjourn at 11:04pm. Mr. Faiman seconded the motion. Motion passed.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Kathleen Humphreys, Secretary

 

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