TOWN OF SUTTON
Planning Board
DRAFT
Meeting Minutes
December 26, 2006
Present: Dan Sundquist, Bob Wright (ex-officio), Pete Blakeman, Courtney Galluzzo, and Carrie Thomas (Alternate)
Chairman Sundquist opened the meeting and appointed Carrie Thomas to sit for Joe Burns.
Motion made by Pete Blakeman to accept the Site Walk Minutes of December 17, 2006. Seconded by Bob Wright. Unanimous Affirmative Vote (4:0)
Saltalamacchia informed the Board that the Minutes of December 12, 2006 were not completed but that the notes of the minutes were on file. She stated that the draft would be emailed to the Board tomorrow.
Reports & Correspondence
Saltalamacchia reported that counsel’s initial response to the easement question over the Messer property as part of the Harborview Major Subdivision Application is that it is only an easement.
Blakeman shared his concern about the Middle School project muddying Thistle Brook and questioned whether the Board wants to communicate with the school representatives. He stated that he spoke with Emilio Cancio-Bello about the recent rain that prompted his concerns. He informed the Board that Cancio-Bello was responsive but he feels there should be some oversight until the project area is stabilized.
Sundquist asked about the involvement of DES.
Blakeman commented that DES has limited staff for on-site visits.
Wright felt that a letter regarding the problem would be helpful.
Blakeman agreed to draft a letter.
Blakeman stated that he was not at the last couple of meetings but is concerned about the map prepared by the Chair on behalf of a petitioned Article. He questioned the wording in the petition that refers to a map that at the time of submission did not exist.
Blakeman requested that the map have something to the effect of a disclaimer explaining “this map was prepared by the Sutton PB to provide explanation to the townspeople of Sutton but does not mean that it is endorsed by the Board.”
Sundquist stated that there is a new version available that shows parcels and in updating that he will add the disclaimer which he felt is an excellent point.
7:15 p.m. Continued Public HearingHearing of a Minor Subdivision submitted by Evans Land, PLLC on behalf of George Mason Delafield for subdivision of Tax Map10 Lot 599,454 located on Stone House Road in the Rural Agricultural district. The applicant proposes to create lots of 17.2 and 2.60 acre(s). Pursuant to RSA 674:53, the Town of New London, NH provides sole access and is deemed an abutter for purposes of notice.
Chairman Sundquist read the Public Hearing Notice into record.
Motion made by Bob Wright to open the continued Public Hearing. Second by Pete Blakeman. Unanimous Affirmative Vote (4:0)
Evans stated that he feels the Applicant has waited long enough for New London.
Sundquist confirmed that this application has been before the Board since August.
Wright stated that we could approve subject to the adequacy of road access in New London.
Motion made by Bob Wright to close the Public Hearing. Second by Pete Blakeman. Unanimous Affirmative Vote (4:0).
Motion made by Bob Wright to approve the two lot Minor Subdivision subject to two conditions:
1. Driveway easement and
2. Meeting the requirements of RSA 674:53.
Seconded by Carrie Thomas. Unanimous Affirmative Vote (4:0).
7:30 p.m. Courtney Galluzzo arrived.
Reports & Correspondence continued
Sundquist read the Public Hearing Notice prepared for the Citizen’s Petitioned Watershed Ordinance.
Saltalamacchia mentioned the need to address the 75 ft. wetlands setback and the new Wetlands Overlay District conflict.
Motion made by Pete Blakeman to prepare two items for town meeting approval and required public hearing notice:
1. Remove reference to 75 ft. wetland setback in residential and agricultural districts and
2. Conceptual Consultation requirement for Major Subdivision Applications.
Seconded by Carrie Thomas. Unanimous Affirmative Vote (5:0)
Chairman took in correspondence dated 12/15/06 from Eckman Engineering re: Meadow View Farms of Sutton road agent packets.
8:00 p.m. Continued Public Hearing for a Major Subdivision Application Eckman Engineering, LLC of Portsmouth, NH on behalf of Jonathan Feins of Wilmot Flat, NH seeks a Major Subdivision of Map 10 Lot 688,134 on Stone House Road. This is a proposed 191 acre major subdivision that would create 37 lots.
Chairman Sundquist read the Public Hearing Notice into record.
Motion made by Bob Wright to open the continued Public Hearing. Seconded by Peter Blakeman. Unanimous Affirmative Vote (5:0).
Sundquist asked Saltalamacchia where we left off: She replied that the Minutes reflect on-site and King’s Hill Road. He acknowledged the package submitted to the Board on 12/18/06 and turned to Attorney Bisbee for an update.
Attorney Bisbee addressed the Board and explained that information pertaining to the intersection of King Hill Road to King’s Hill Road was submitted on 12/15/06; he stated that this information is based on a 35 lot subdivision. He mentioned having just received Caron’s report on the “West end proposal and Haynes Road.” He acknowledged that we have taken time to get this done but are now ready to progress.
Bisbee
1. On Site – new information from Caron states that he has not reviewed this and that may dictate the Board’s review;
2. Changed date on waiver requests dated August and July to December 15, 2006 since this is a new application;
3. Correspondence re: Stone House Road Section past the subdivision entrance – second full paragraph reads …”ensure that the driveway entrance to the proposed 14.5 acre lot accommodates a pull out “flare”. This is inconsistent with the plans submitted. There is a pull out on the opposite side of the road further down.
4. ROW crossing Messer’s property – Saltalamacchia restated that town counsel responded that the easement would not create a subdivision of the Messer property nor require this parcel to be part of the proposed subdivision; and
5. Pavement versus gravel discussion.
Wright asked if the Board could deal with each questioned posed and look to agree or disagree. He proposed King’s Hill Road, Haynes Road, and the waivers, etc.
Sundquist stated that the town’s engineer review is imperative to our decision making. He asked Caron for an update of where his review stands.
Caron responded that he is probably 1/3 of the way through the review of the plans and the drainage study is time consuming. He stated that he is working from one side of the development to the other and therefore has not reached the King’s Hill portion of the plan.
Sundquist asked that Caron move forward forthwith and stated that we will not be able to accomplish as much as we might have anticipated until Caron’s review is complete.
Caron committed to completing the review next week.
Sundquist asked that Caron review his report submitted dated 12/26/06 re: West end.
Caron reviewed the report and suggested the Board stay with 18 ft. width and 3 ft. shoulders.
Blakeman stated that he is curious where the 15 ft. measurement across Stone House was taken.
Mebel, abutter, mentioned that the distance at his house is 15 ft. across the road.
Eckman stated that the 11.7 ft. reference comes from ASHTO and was not an actual measurement but presented as traffic detail – he explained his limit of work did not include this area up until recently. He stated that as far as sight distance, Hazarvartian could address the difficult spot.
Hazarvartian stated that we sought a design of 90 ft. x 2 for 20 mph and 115 ft x 2 for 25 mph.
Wright asked about the definitions of layout and upgrade. He then asked for clarification about single lane roads. He was of the opinion that a single lane road is not acceptable when it comes to safety.
Galluzzo questioned if a scenic road is allowed to be two lanes.
Chairman replied, yes.
Attorney Bisbee reminded the Board the residents on this road would prefer to keep the road as is. He stated that the proposal is concerning the portion of road where Dr. Mebel’s house is and is for two additional lots. He stated that the proportional relationship of this piece of Stone House Road is similar to a minor subdivision.
Blakeman stated that he does not have the information in front of him necessary to make the decision. He shared his concern about this area where two driveways are proposed.
Caron summarized that the Board need to decide whether or not to even consider a single lane road and then address the subsequent issues.
Hazarvartian brought forth three points from his report dated December 15, 2006:
1. ASHTO is specific to addressing a single lane two way road and new construction;
2. He stated that we looked to the wide section of road; and
3. He stated that the delays wouldn’t be long.
Sundquist requested that Caron make comment on his review of Haynes Road.
Caron introduced his approach to looking at this section of road specifically in relation to emergency responders. He stated that restoring Haynes Road to a smooth respectable surface does not seem to him to be unreasonable.
Sundquist read into record a letter from Barbara Freeman, Chair of the Newbury Planning Board, dated 12/12/06. He reminded attendees that there was a finding of a development of regional impact early on in the process and that gives Newbury the status of abutter.
Sundquist stated that the connection of King’s Hill Road to Haynes Road will need to be addressed. He appreciates Caron’s recommendation to look for a consensus.
Attorney Bisbee read page two of Freeman’s letter stating “Unless improvements are made to Haynes Road and King’s Hill Road, the site only has a single access.” Bisbee stated that Haynes Road is already there and upgrades for King’s Hill is underway. He stated that he does not believe that the response of Mutual Aid is specific to a subdivision road. He stated that Newbury has received the same plans that this Board has but it is the Applicant’s decision that there are not plans to upgrade Haynes Road because it is not part of this subdivision application.
Bisbee stated that in reading Caron’s comments it states that he met with Cal (Newbury Road Agent) to see what improvements would be best if improvements were needed. He stated that we offer an option to make it private if the traffic volume were to increase. He summarized that it seems the issue is about emergency vehicles and in Minutes from an earlier meeting the Fire Chief and Police Chief have not expressed concern about their access to the subdivision. He stated that the materials submitted by the engineers suggest that the road is adequate enough on King’s Hill and Stone House Road.
Hazarvartian stated that 18 ft. is adequate; gravel roads are not documented as inadequate for emergency vehicles. He stated that sight distance would provide adequate stopping distance.
Wright confirmed that there is sufficient width in the 18 ft. roadway portion of Haynes Road for passing of two fire trucks.
Eckman showed the intersection near Haynes Road and agreed that there are some bumps and the pavement is rough but upgrade is not the answer. He stated that he disagrees that the four houses currently on Haynes Road are in danger now but will check with the Fire Chief.
Galluzzo asked about the potential short cut to Baker Hill Golf Course.
Eckman replied that this is why we may have a gate.
Sundquist affirmed that taking in Newbury’s comment is part of the process.
There was some discussion about the Fire Chief’s input in the process.
Caron stated that the Board should consider looking at the west end with two houses differently than the Haynes Road which would potentially service 35 lots.
Bisbee stated that if the subdivision became a private road the number would be 28 and the two houses on Stone House Road would not be included.
Sundquist asked that Caron include the waiver requests in his review.
Eckman clarified that the issue is the sub grade of 30 ft. wide and 3 ft. deep.
Chairman Sundquist asked Saltalamacchia to prepare a check list of items for review.
Mebel informed the Board that Attorney Donovan is not available on 1/09/07.
Motion made by Bob Wright to Continue the Public Hearing to January 9, 2007 at 9:00 p.m. Seconded by Court Galluzzo. Unanimous Affirmative Vote (5:0).
[Limited to an hour and then continue on 1/23/07 (8:00 p.m.?)]
9:30 p.m. Non-Public Session re: Meadow View Farms Major Subdivision
Sundquist left the meeting.
The Board appointed Galluzzo to serve as Acting Chairman.
Acting Chair Courtney Galluzzo made comment that this seems to have gone on too long.
Wright updated the Board on the meeting with the Applicant and the Select Board.
Blakeman made comment that it is not an easy process to review engineering plans with changes.
Thomas made comment that the Applicant should be made aware the Board will meet with them at their convenience.
Saltalamacchia was directed to send an email to Tony Scarpa:
§ Comment on the fact that Lou Caron has committed to completion this week and
§ Available Board time 1/9/07 at 7:00 p.m.
9:45 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
| 
