Discussion of Hampstead Water Company Proposal for Expansion within Town of Atkinson: Harold Morse recuses himself. Chris Frye appears before the Board on behalf of Peter Lewis. Mr. Frye discusses the site plan regarding Hampstead Water Company’s (HWC) proposal for expansion. Mr. Frye has conducted a preliminary consultation for the infrastructure of the HWC water tank, Map 13, Lot 29, on the open space portion of the subdivision. HWC proposes to build a 1/2 million gallon above-ground storage tank and is asking the Board what steps they need to take to proceed with the proposed dimensions. The tank will be approximately 40 ft high and 42 ft wide. HWC has recently completed a similar water tank on Smith Mountain. Tim Dziechowski feels the tank will be an intrusion on the open space in the subdivision, and asks whether this can be done on space under conservation restrictions. Mr. Frye informs the Board that other water structures have been constructed in other clusters and open spaces. Tim Dziechowski has concerns with the size of the structure, and Sue Killam informs him it is a water shed. HWC currently provides water to the development. Tim Dziechowski feels the Town Attorney should review the proposal. Mr. Frye informs the Board this particular location was chosen because it is the highest point in the development. The water tank will be a gravity-fed system and needs the height to feed the system. HWC has an easement deed, and the Board would like to review the easement deed. Mr. Frye hands out a copy of the easement deed for the Board to review. There is concern that conservation trails run around the rear of the property and around the area of the proposed water tank. The trail is located 30 feet off the property. Tim Dziechowski is concerned with how the tank will be serviced, since there is no direct access to the tank besides the one access which is in deep woods and heavy terrain. Peter Lewis points out on the plan that there is an access road adjacent to the deep woods which would provide access to the tank, but Tim Dziechowski still has concerns with the proposed access. Mr. Lewis informs the Board that any pipes installed would be laid on the property line in the setback and that the easement goes with the property. Mr. Lewis plans to provide water for all customers with an eventual water line between the two towns to provide better fire protection in the event of a loss of electricity. Brian Boyle has not seen the plan and neither have the Hales. Mr. Lewis informs the Board that this is his starting point in the process. Paul DiMaggio believes this is a commercial/industrial use being placed in town center and he does not like that it is in the buffer. Tim Dziechowski is concerned about the water rights with the tank. Mr. Lewis informs the Board that the structure will be a concrete tank that sits on the ground. Paul DiMaggio does not believe that it fits in the zoning for the Town. Ted Stewarts asks if the Board has allowed tanks in the past, but Paul DiMaggio does not recall approving tanks previously. Ted Stewart asks if pump houses are on the plans, and Sue Killam informs him not on the original plans. The original plan was to be sprinkled, but no commercial structures were on the plan. The Board asks what they legally allow in the buffer. No commercial structures are allowed in the buffer. Sue Miner feels this does not fit the definition of open space, and the Board must decide if this structure fits the zoning requirements. Paul DiMaggio feels it is a commercial enterprise, and the Town does not allow commercial uses in town center. Sue Killam is concerned with the definition of cluster and open space and perhaps a variance is the solution. It is felt the Board should take this up for discussion during the next workshop meeting. Mr. Lewis suggests coming before the Board with an application and informing the public of his plans, but Sue Killam feels it should be discussed at the next workshop meeting. It is also discussed that the abutter list be expanded to anyone who can view the tank. It is determined that Z55 620:8(b)(3) includes water/sewage systems within the definition. Sue Miner questions whether a tank fits this description. The zoning states that a variance may possibly be needed, and the easement may be a violation of that clause. The Board normally does not review the easements until a situation such as this arises. Paul DiMaggio feels the Board should do some further research and discuss the proposal at the workshop meeting. He also feels this will need a variance and that Town Counsel should review the proposal. Ted Stewart feels that a hidden concrete structure would be more acceptable than a monolithic structure. Mr. Frye informs the Board that the structure is a round cylinder that sits flat on the ground, not a monolithic tower. He suggests that the Board tour the structure built on Smith Mountain. It is decided that there will be a further discussion on this issue at the April 4, 2007 workshop meeting.

MHF Design Consultant, Mark Gross, submission of an application for formal consideration and acceptance for a minor site plan on proposed site improvements, including a proposed irrigation pond and new nursery stock storage area for existing commercial property owned by C&C & C&M Realty Trust (Freshwater Farm Nursery) located on KipCam Road, Map 20, Lots 6 & &, CI Zone: The original application included an irrigation pond, but Sue Killam realized that would require engineering review and the plan has not been applied to the State. This part of the application will be presented at another time after State approvals. Sue Killam reads the abutter list. Mark Gross presents the plan to the Board and gives a short history of the changes that have been done in the past. The plan indicates the site as it currently exists, including parking, wetlands, mulch storage, greenhouses, the main house and the office space. Mr. Gross also presents to the Board a soils map identifying the soil types on the property. The site plans are being separated into two plans: (1) nursery, stock area expansion; and (2) irrigation pond, which needs approval by the State before an application can be presented to the Board. Some of the items being proposed on the plan presented tonight are a pedestrian crossing area across from the greenhouse/display area, nursery stockpile area for burlap bagged materials (plants, trees, shrubs), and nursery stock area. The lot located near Route 111 on the eastern portion of the property used to be bark mulch storage. That portion of the property is located in Hampstead, and the bark mulch is no longer there. The bark mulch was moved for operational purposes, not because of the Town of Hampstead. Paul DiMaggio feels it is safer for the customers having moved the mulch. Mr. Morse received complaints regarding the mulch, and after getting a breakdown of the dyes in the mulch, it was determined everything was good. Rockingham Planning Commission prepared a memorandum regarding the proposed application which Mr. Gross addressed as follows:

(1) Parking - The parking is for the current conditions, and the gravel shoulder areas are not part of this plan; (2) Sidewalks- Standard pedestrian crossing; (3) Landscaping - This refers to the irrigation pond site plan which is not being presented tonight; (4) Exterior lighting - No additional exterior lighting; (5) Snow Removal - No additional paving; (6) Traffic Patterns - This refers to the irrigation pond site plan which is not being presented tonight; (7) Construction Drawings - This refers to the irrigation pond site plan which is not being presented tonight; (8) Sound Levels - No additional equipment to be used; (9) Open Water Body - There is standing water, but it is not a pond; (10) Wetlands Data - This will be clarified through the soil/wetland scientist; (11) Irrigation Pond - This refers to the irrigation pond site plan which is not being presented tonight; (12) Constructed pond with waterfall on wetlands, will put flags around and take off the plan; and (13) Floodplain - Will correct with the proper dates for reference and make sure maps on file are up to date.

Other Areas to Address: (1) Irrigation pond - This is subject to a future application; (2) Nursery Stock Area - Plant products only, no mulch/loam storage. With regard to sound levels, equipment not increasing; (3) Gravel Shoulder - This is subject to a future application; and (4) Pedestrian Strip - The width of the pedestrian strip will be included. This will be placed on the nursery stock side to focus on where pedestrians cross the road.

Miscellaneous: (a) The dirt road in front of the greenhouses under Map 20, Lot 6, are not delineated as to where it ends on the terminus. Request cleaning this issue up with a survey and identify the ending point; (b) Possible site walk; (c) Nursery stock area is storing plant materials; and (d) Dirt access road is identified as being gravel. Some areas do not have gravel and could be identified as a direct access road.

Mr. Morse informs the Board that some areas can be muddy, but in 19 years he has never had any complaints of dust. Trucks load and unload in the back, and the bobcats are used in the front. Most of the roadways in the nursery are processed gravel. The only issue he has had was the dye in the bark mulch, which was moved back to its original site. Loam is stored in bins on the other side of the mulch, which is stored in bins as well. The proposed irrigation pond is to be used as a backup, not to be irrigating the land. This is in case the well runs dry. If the State/Town do not allow the irrigation pond, Mr. Morse will dig another well.

The Board discusses working with Eric Steltzer regarding the notes to meet the conditions, except the notes referring to the irrigation pond proposal.

New Business: The Board discusses the use books and whether the new pages should be stapled in the current books or whether new books should be printed up. There are 40 use books left. Harold Morse suggests new books be printed. Tim Dziechowski agrees and feels new books would be a safe idea. The general feeling of the Board is to update the book.

Jack Sapia was unable to attend tonight’s meeting, but made two requests through a memorandum to Shirley Galvin:

1. He is requesting to schedule a floodplain insurance program discussion meeting. He has someone he would like to come in and address the Board. It is determined that the circuit rider can help educate the Board on this issue. A plan must be in place in order to receive FEMA. If the Town is to be part of the federal flood program, it must have flood insurance. The Town can receive a federal discounted rate if it becomes a part of the program. The Board will set up a meeting with the representative for the May workshop meeting.

2. He is requesting that a representative of the Planning Board be on the committee reviewing the communications issue in Town. Paul DiMaggio volunteers as the communications committee representative for the Planning Board.

Voluntary Lot Merger: Doris and Michael Sullivan are requesting a lot merger of 9A Waters Edge, Map 20, Lot 26 and Map 20, Lot 27. The Planning Board agrees for the merger to be signed.

Eric Steltzer, Rockingham Planning Commission: Mr. Steltzer addressed the Board regarding his presentation to the Board of Selectmen regarding the CTAP subcommittee. He is suggesting a committee be formed with a representative from each board participating. The TA is talking about doing GIS work, but the subcommittee should discuss what the money should be used for. There is the availability of a buildout analysis to be done which the Board would like to see done. Mr. Steltzer will find out more information on this issue.

Vollmer: The Board discussed Paul DiMaggio’s memorandum to the Board of Selectmen regarding his concerns with the Town Engineer. Sue Killam feels the Board needs to approach the Town Engineer and express what the Board requires and expects. It was decided that Sue Killam and Paul DiMaggio will meet with Vollmer and discuss their concerns with Vollmer’s performance and the level of service the Board expects.

The meeting was closed at 10:10 PM.

Next scheduled workshop meeting is April 4, 2007.

APPROVED________________________

Respectfully submitted,

Raelene McBride