TOWN OF WILTON

PLANNING BOARD MEETING MINUTES

DRAFT

 

 

DATE:            December 20, 2006

TIME:            7:30 P.M.

PLACE:          Wilton Town Hall Courtroom

PRESENT:     Co-Chairman Brian Sullivan, Neil Faiman, Jeff Kandt, Alec MacMartin, Matt Fish, Selectmen’s Rep Daniel Donovan, Alternate Member Bill Condra, Secretary Carla Walter and NRPC Rep. Steve Wagner

 

ABSENT:       Co-Chairman Andrew Fairbanks and Alternate Member David Holder

 

OTHERS:       Spencer Brooks, Dawn Tuomala, Bill Davidson, Charles McGettigan, James McGettigan, Bob McGettigan, Karl Zhan, Harold Kennedy, Les Tallarico, Tom Quinn, Barry Greene, Jerry Greene, Raymond Shea, Mark Gibbons, Mike Rodgers, Peter Bennett, David Crane, Robin Goodwin, Kris Picaro, and others not noted on the attendance sheet.

 

The AGENDA was as amended as follows:

 

1.)        Harold James Kennedy – Subdivision plan of land for Lot F-003 into two (2) lots

2.)                Bond Release – Tom Quinn - Lot C-099 off Wilton Center Road

3.)                Barrett Mountain LLC – Subdivision plan of land for Lot E-027-01 on Rte 31 in the Industrial District.  Applicant is proposing to subdivide said lot into four (4) industrial lots.

4.)                John E. Kukulka –Site Plan Review for Lot F-030-02 on Intervale Road in the Residential, Commercial and Aquifer districts.  The applicant is proposing eight (8) units of multi-family housing with associated drainage and parking improvements.

5.)        Scenic Road Public Hearing - Public Service of New Hampshire (PSNH): Maps G and E - Trimming and Removal of trees and brush along sections of Kimball Heights Road and Heald Road to improve reliability of electrical service to customers per RSA 231.158

6.)        Site Plan Review and Sign Application– Lot J-050 Main Street Business from Bakery to Salon

7.)        Kris Picaro – Lot F-026-01 on Gibbons Highway in the Commercial District.  Applicant is proposing a Sign for Auto Repair Service Shop

8.)        Subdivision – Dorothy S. McGettigan Revocable Trust – Lot F-102 on McGettigan Road in the Residential/Agriculture District.  Applicant is proposing to subdivide said lot into three new residential lots.

9.)                Non-Residential Site Plan – Burbak Buildings – Lot B-102 on Forest Road in the Industrial, Acquifer Protection, and 100 year Flood Plain Districts.  Applicant is proposing a 2950 SF addition to the rear of the existing industrial building for manufacturing and warehouse.

10.)            Schedule for January 2007

11.)            Adjournment

 

Co-Chairman Brian Sullivan called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

 

Jeff Kandt explained to the public the use of a projector screen to visually show the location of properties to help familiarize people with the applications before the Board.  Brian Sullivan noted that although there is a sign in sheet, it is not mandatory that people sign in.  The purpose of this sheet is to correctly identify comments from the public for recording minutes.

 

Alternate Member William Condra is voting for Matt Fish who at this time, is not present.

 

1.)          Harold James Kennedy Subdivision plan of land for Lot F-003 into two lots

 

Raymond Shea of Sanford Engineering appeared before the Board to discuss the above subdivision proposal.  He explained the original submission for three (3) lots has been reduced now to two (2) lots.  An estimated 90,000 cubic yards of material will be removed as incidental to construction.  The principal reason is steepness/accessibility.  He concluded a determination needs to be made on how much material removed is “incidental” to development and when does it become an excavation?  As noted in the Wilton Ordinance – Removing material from a site or selling for profit is a commercial use. ExSP 2.02, 2.0.6

 

The Board asked the grade of the driveway to the back lot.  They also asked if the driveway could be moved more to the center, through the existing shed.  Ray explained that maintenance would be a huge issue and retaining walls would be needed on both sides of such a driveway.  The Board suggested trying to alleviate taking out the 90,000 CY of material.  Karl stated it was unreasonable to restrict where to put a house on 12 acres. 

 

Karl Zhan asked the Board to consider that this is not a “defacto” excavation permit, but rather a property owner whose father had passed away and left the land to him, thus he wanted in turn to give it to his children.  He noted the this is not a development, but rather one house.  He explained the ZBA variance was for removal of 330,000 CY and this application is removing much less.  He further asked why several other subdivisions in town appear to be excavating that is “incidental”.  The Board asked for specific locations.  Karl noted the property on the other side of the cemetery, the Peterson property, Abbot Hill Acres, Pratt Homes off Marden Road and the Holt Brothers Orchards on Dale Street.  He respectfully asked the Board to consider their position and to monitor the activities closely on all subdivisions to ensure they were in compliance of all ordinances.

 

Matt Fish joined the Board at 7:48 p.m. but only as the Town Excavation Administrator and not a voting member.

 

The Board discussed the amount of fill normally needed for a septic system.  It was asked if the material could be pushed around to create a flatter buildable lot for the house rather than removing the material from the site.  Karl stated he did not think that was a feasible solution.  The Board reminded the applicant(s) that not all parcels of land, large or small, are buildable.  They reviewed the language of the Excavation Site Plan Review Application, specifically Section 2.0 Definitions, 2.0.2 Commercial:  Any use of any earth material for sale or resale on or off site of the excavation area.  In addition, an excavation shall be considered commercial if earth materials are transported to land other than that from which the earth was excavated.  Excavations, which use earth materials in the process of other material such as, but not limited to, concrete, asphalt and other building materials shall be considered commercial.

 

The Board asked how long the trucks would need to run to remove the material.  Karl stated approximately one (1) year. 

 

The Board stated the process for such an application is to either accept the application or deny it so the applicant can return to the ZBA with this new proposal, or reconfigure the lots now that the Acquifer Protection District zoning is clear.  They discussing at what point would the Town engineer need to review the plans. It was determined a site walk would be needed and was scheduled for January 6th, 2007 at 8:00 a.m.  The engineer does not need to be present.

 

The Board inquired if the traffic study is available from the ZBA.  Ray stated he could get copies of the study for the Board.  Karl also noted the trucks would only be permitted to make eastbound turns, which means they will not be using Wilton Center Road.  Steve Wagner suggested putting a schedule together of the number of trucks and trips that will be allowed.

 

Ray suggested the Board look at the zoning minutes.

 

The Board asked if the Road Agent had any issues with the driveway.  Ray stated there is not a culvert at the entrance and that it had been widened per the request of the Fire Chief.  The Board suggested pitching the driveway away from the road.

 

The Board asked for abutter comments.  There were none.

 

A MOTION was made by Dan Donovan and SECONDED by Alex MacMartin to continue the meeting to January 17, 2006.

Voting:  6 ayes; motion carried.

 

Matt Fish returned to the Board as a voting member.  Alternate Member Bill Condra is now voting for Co-Chairman Andrew Fairbanks.

 

2.)        Bond Release – Tom Quinn - Lot C-099 off Wilton Center Road

 

Tom Quinn appeared before the Board to request release of his performance bond for lots C-099-01 and C-099-02.  He explained he had walked the property two weeks ago with Matt Fish and there were no issues.  Work was completed in the fall of 2005.  The Board had asked to watch stabilization over the winter.

 

Matt explained a few minor issues with erosion.  He stated the engineer needs more build out detail on their plans.  The Board asked how big the area in question is.  Tom stated it was approximately 200 SF and 8 yards of material.  He would like to leave the area alone and wait until construction of a house is underway before disturbing the area.  Matt concluded he recommends the town use this as a learning experience when approving two to one slopes as this experience has shown that reclamation and stabilization are not only difficult but questionable in their long term effectiveness.  This area in question is more of a landscape issue and Tom agreed to remedy the minor erosion problems during the construction of the adjacent house.

 

A MOTION was made by Dan Donovan and SECONDED by Alex MacMartin to release the performance bond.

Voting:  7 ayes; motion carried.

 

The Planning Board is to draft a letter to release to forward appropriately.  Tom thanked the Board for their time.  There was no further discussion on the matter.

 

3.)        Barrett Mountain LLC – Subdivision plan of land for Lot E-027-01 on Rte 31

 

Bill Davidson from Meridian Engineering presented for Chad Brannon the application for the proposed subdivision into four (4) industrial lots.  He distributed a copy of the Declaration of Public Easement to the Chairman for Town Counsel review noting this easement is for the southern most part of the property.  This easement connects to the two other easements making a total of three (3) easements with this submission.  


Bill explained that Lots E-27-01 and 02 have been reconfigured, per the request of the Board and that the Department of Transportation (DOT) has approved the road.  Bill asked the Board how the current easements through the property for a proposed subdivision was never built can be removed and how.  The Town of
Wilton was granted these easements by Fimball Door listed on Book/Page 5145/698 dated 10/5/89.  Dan Donovan stated it would need to be a warrant article at Town Meeting and the Selectmen will draft. 

 

The Board asked for comments from abutters.  There were none however, Spencer Brooks explained he is now satisfied with the wording of the easements and looked forward to Town Counsel’s thoughts.

 

The Board asked for Note 12 to include wording on the proposed driveways as the Road will want to be accepted as a town road which therefore, gives the Road Agent authority over the location of the driveways for the lots.

 

Bill respectfully asked for the following waivers:

 

·        6.3 g – high intensity soil survey and;

·        Appendix I 1.3 – dead end streets not exceeding 600 ft.

 

A MOTION was made by Alex MacMartin and SECONDED by Dan Donovan to grant a waiver for Section 6.3g.

Voting: 7 ayes; motion carried.

 

A MOTION was made by Alex MacMartin and SECONDED by Dan Donovan to grant a waiver for Appendix I 1.3

Voting: 7 ayes; motion carried.

 

Chris respectfully asked for a continuation to revise the plans.

 

A MOTION was made by Alec MacMartin and SECONDED by Jeff Kandt to continue the public hearing to January 17, 2007.

Voting:  4 ayes; motion carried.

 

There was no further discussion on the matter.

 

4.)        John E. Kukulka –Site Plan Review for Lot F-030-02 on Intervale Road

 

Neil Faiman stepped down as a voting member at 9:10 p.m.

 

Bill Davidson, Meridian Engineering presented an application for an 8-family multi-family development.  He noted he has not received written approval from the Fire Chief or the Water Commission.

 

The Board stated their concern with the density of the proposal and the variance intent.  They also discussed Sections 7.1A and 7.1B in the Commercial District - Permitted Uses in the Land Use Laws Zoning Ordinances. 

 

Mike Rodgers, an abutter to the proposed subdivision stated their presentation to the Zoning Board of Adjustment when they received their variance gave the impression that these lots were single family residential lots.  Attorney Peter Bennett explained he had contacted Attorney Will Sullivan who represented the applicants through the variance process and he believed that was not the intent of the applicant.  Mike specifically stated the Tuttle and Bragdon subdivisions were used as similar developments and these are single family homes.

 

The Board stated they did not agree that lot coverage defines density but rather the use.  This residential use does not meet requirements.  Density in a commercial zone limits use, which his too large for this lot size.

 

The Board discussed a cluster development approach and asked if the multi-family units are condominiums or apartments.  Bill stated he did not know.

 

The Board could not reach consensus on whether to accept the plan or not.

 

A MOTION was made by Alex MacMartin and SECONDED by Dan Donovan to continue to the January 17, 2007 meeting.

Voting:  6 ayes; motion carried.

 

Alex MacMartin offered to contact Town Counsel to discuss density.  There was no further discussion on the matter.

 

Neil Faiman returned to the Board at 9:50 p.m.

 

5.)        Scenic Road Public Hearing - Public Service of New Hampshire (PSNH): Maps G and E - Trimming and Removal of trees and brush along sections of Kimball Heights Road and Heald Road to improve reliability of electrical service to customers per RSA 231.158

 

Co-Chair Brian Sullivan read the public notice into record.

 

David Crane, Arborist and Preventive Maintenance Coordinator for PSNH explained the cutting/trimming that would be happening along Kimball Heights Road and Heald Road.  He explained that he would not be removing any brush or limbs less than four (4) inches in diameter.  He further noted that trees or limbs larger which present a threat to PSNH lines will be removed on a case by case basis.  At the time of inspection one (1) pine tree was the only dead tree.  The last time they have been to this area in town was 2000.

 

The vendor selected for the service is Asplundh Tree Expert Company.

 

Abutter Leslie Tallarico, 379 Kimball Heights explained the last time PSNH was in the are they took down three (3) oak trees to put in three (3) utility poles.  He specifically requested no trimming or cutting near his property.

 

A MOTION was made by Neil Faiman and SECONDED by Alex MacMartin to approve trimming/cutting per RSA 21.158 subject to not cutting the Sycamore Tree at 397 Kimball Heights, no changes to the scope are made and no trees to be cut as defined by the statue with the exception of the one (1) dead pine tree.

Voting:  7 ayes; motion carried.

 

There was no further discussion on the matter.

 

6.)        Change of Use – Main Street Business

 

Robin Goodman appeared before the Board for Site Plan approval to change the use of the 53 Main Street building from a Bakery to a Hair Salon.  She is also seeking a sign permit for a sign in accordance to the Wilton regulations.  She explained she has written approval from the Fire Chief, discussed her hours of operation and how trash would be removed.  She concluded with a letter and plan from the property owner with her support.

 

A MOTION was made by Dan Donovan and SECONDED by Neil Faiman to accept and approve the Site Plan Application.

Voting:  7 ayes; motion carried.

 

Robin distributed a picture of her sign.

 

A MOTION was made by Dan Donovan and SECONDED by Neil Faiman to accept and approve the Sign Application.

Voting:  7 ayes; motion carried.

 

Robin thanked the Board for their time.  There was no further discussion on the matter.

 

Alex MacMartin stepped down as a voting member at 10:10 p.m.

 

7.)           Sign Application – Kris Picaro – Gibbons Highway

 

Selectmen Representative Dan Donovan explained that he had represented Joseph Poisson, the owner, in Kris’s acquisition of the J&D property but felt that he could remain on the Board.  The Board agreed.

 

Kris appeared before the Board with a sign application for his Business, KP’s Automotive, which is located where the J&D Towing is on Gibbons Highway.

 

The Board reminded him that if he uses the lighting for his sign, it needs to be downcast. Kris agreed.

 

A MOTION was made by Dan Donovan and SECONDED by Bill Condra to approve the sign application for KP’s Automotive.

Voting:  6 ayes; motion carried.


Kris thanked the Board for their time.  There was no further discussion on the matter.

 

Alex MacMartin returned to the Board at 10:15 p.m.

 

8.)        Subdivision – Dorothy S. McGettigan Revocable Trust – Lot F-102 on McGettigan Road in the Residential/Agriculture District.  Applicant is proposing to subdivide said lot into three new residential lots.

 

Robert Todd appeared before the Board and explained his proposed subdivision of Lot F-102 into four (4) lots; three (3) new lots.  An access easement for Lot 10-4 is proposed.  In addition, the plan shows meters and bounds for Lots F-90 and F-100 and Map 10, Lots 6 & 74 in Milford, for estate planning purposes.  The total area being subdivided is 139 acres.  Draft easement language was submitted and the Board will send to Town Counsel.  No development is proposed. Future conservation easements are contemplated. 

 

The Board noted encroachment on the parking easement.

 

Robert also explained that due to the nature of the subdivision he would be requesting several waivers, as he was fairly certain this land would never be developed.  It has been in the McGettigan family for over 100 years and would remain in the family with brothers and sisters taking the three new lots and existing home.

 

The Board stated they need to speak with Town Counsel in regards to the number of waivers. 

 

Robert respectfully asked for a continuance.

 

A MOTION was made by Alex MacMartin and SECONDED by Dan Donovan to continue the hearing to January 17,2007. 

 

Bob thanked the Board for their time.  There was no further discussion on the matter.

 

9.)        Non-Residential Site Plan – Burbak Buildings – Lot B-102 on Forest Road in the Industrial, Acquifer Protection, and 100 year Flood Plain Districts.  Applicant is proposing a 2950 SF addition to the rear of the existing industrial building for manufacturing and warehouse.

 

Jerry Greene and Dawn Tuomala appeared before the Board for comments on a proposed addition to the Burbak Building on Forest Road.  The building is intended for a warehouse and there will be a sprinkler system installed.  There are no changes to the parking or number of employees.

 

The Board asked for a written letter of support by the Fire Chief. 

 

A MOTION was made by Dan Donovan and SECONDED by Bill Condra to accept the Non-Residential Site Plan for the Burbak Building

Voting:  7 ayes; motion carried.

 

The Board asked for a note on lighting to be included and the typographical error on Page 3 to be fixed.

 

A MOTION was made by Dan Donovan and SECONDED by Alex MacMartin to approve the Non-Residential Site Plan with the following conditions:

-                     Fire Chief written approval

-                     Note on Plan Lighting needs to be downcast

-                     A siltation fence must be installed prior to the start of construction

Voting:  7 ayes; motion carried.

 

There was no further discussion on the matter.

 

 

 

 

10.)                Schedule for January 2007

 

Due to the large agenda of tonite’s meeting, hearings that have not been heard have been scheduled for January 3, 2007.  The Zoning Amendment hearing will take place on January 10th, 2007 and our regularly scheduled meeting will be on January 17, 2007.  Advertisements for the Amendments should be posted in two (2) places, advertised for two (2) weeks and a complete copy will be available at the Town Hall.  T

 

11.)   Adjournment

 

A MOTION was made by Jeff Kandt and SECONDED by Neil Faiman to adjourn the meeting at 11:23 p.m.

Voting:  7 ayes; motion carried.

 

Minutes respectfully submitted by:

Carla J. Walter

 

<Back to Planning Board Home Page>