Incoming

The Board discussed this request to consider a change in the Impact Fee Zoning regulations to reduce the age from 62 to 55 for the Elderly Housing exemption. Attorney Levine felt that the age of 62 was inconsistent with the over 55 elderly housing developments as they have the same impact. This change would effect the proposed over 55 Adult Condominium Community project which is proposed on the Golf Course.

Outgoing

Communications Committee – Public Safety Tower & proposed Zoning Change

Presenting: Lt. William Baldwin; Police Chief Philip Consentino; Sandy Carter

Lt. Baldwin distributed a hand out that was read aloud. It outlined the Purpose; Need; Photos; Considerations and Conclusion for a Public Safety Tower in town.

Mr. Carter updated the board on what the tower committee has been doing and explained that the need is for a tower 180 feet in height. It was explained that the town could own their own tower without changing zoning and the prices show that the cost would be the $200,000 range. Revenue stream could offset the cost by leasing space on the tower to commercial users. Or, the town could let a cell company foot the cost and pay lease and allow the town to put antennas up for town use. The fact was that a safety tower is essential. The proposed safety tower would be located on town land in the area of the Sal/Sand Shed behind the Fire Station.

Mr. Stewart suggested a Warrant Article with the help of Town Counsel. Mr. DiMaggio asked if leasing out space would be a for profit type business?? He suggested that an amendment be made to Section 800:3(6) ‘use by special exception on any town owned land’ and add to section 510:1.

Mr. DiMaggio noted in Mr. Earley’s behalf his concern with the fall zone. It appears that the proposed tower would not land on any buildings but if a fall occurred it would be in bad weather when highway and fire personnel would be in the area.

Lt. Baldwin then presented a second handout showing new elements of radio system equipment that would be needed.

Mr. Stewart, playing ‘devil’s advocate’ suggested Hog Hill be rezoned. Mr. Carter stated that Hog Hill was a residential zone and you cannot ‘spot zone’ and an overlay zone above a certain elevation could be illegal. Mr. Consentino noted that he thought the Hog Hill site had a new owner and a new tower would be put there. Mr. Dziekowski felt that the new owner could take the town to federal court – but it would be a good idea for the town to build their tower before a new one on Hog Hill. Mr. Carter stated that in his opinion this was all speculation.

Mr. DiMaggio suggested the board meet with Sumner Kalman to discuss these issues and also his opinion on profits going into the general fund. A meeting will be scheduled with Attorney Kalman to discuss the tower issues and impact fee.

Discussion ended.

Tim Dziekowski discussed Hunting vs. No Hunting.

He noted that there would be a new Conservation Commission Map posted in town hall that would show the designation of ‘Hunting’ ‘No Hunting’ on Town Conservation Land.

Discussion – Town Engineer

Mr. Morse again expressed his opinion that it was not right for the Planning Board to be excluded from the interview process. Mr. Stewart stated that this change in process has ruffled feathers. Selectmen Sapia defended his position and again explained that hiring decisions are the responsibility of the Selectmen. He would listen to input from the Planning Board if they felt they had a serious issue with the choice. He stated that they have narrowed the choice to 2 or 3 candidates and Mr. DiMaggio is welcome to review and provide input on behalf of the Planning Board. Mr. DiMaggio stated that he would be able to participate in the selection process of a new engineer except that he would have a conflict of interest if SFC were a finalist. Mr. Sapia reported that the Selectmen hope to make a decision by next week.

Motion to postpone review and approval of minutes was made, seconded and approved.

Mr. DiMaggio made a motion that the board go into non-public session to discuss the recording clerk’s unexpected letter of resignation. The motion was seconded and approved.

Ms. Killam closed the public session of the meeting.

The board concluded the executive session with no decisions having been made.

Motion to adjourn was made, seconded and approved. Ms. Killam closed the meeting at 9:52 P.M.

Minutes transcribed from Notes taken by the Chairman.

Approved_____________________________

Respectfully submitted by Shirley Galvin