001Welcome to the uh Planning Board meeting. Um the uh the first order of business uh we have the minutes from the last meeting. The pleasure of the board on that. >> Make a motion that we approve the minutes of the meeting of last meeting. >> Second. >> Okay, any uh discussion? Okay, all in favor? >> Aye. >> unanimous Um as far as 81P we do have one uh for Haywood Field. >> Yeah, the Haywood Field 81P is still under development. We did have a um progress with council today, but uh this should be ready for our July meeting. >> Okay. So, that will be July 14th, correct? >> Yep. >> All right. Um and then we have um we have a site plan application and stormwater permit for um looks like 225 West Street, that's
002a continuation. >> Yes. >> Also to to uh July 14th? >> Yes. >> Okay, we have a uh special permit extension request. >> Need to vote on the continuance of this first, Mr. Chairman. >> Sure. >> Motion to approve the continuance is to the 14th of July. >> Second. >> Any discussion? All in favor? >> Aye, as well. >> Thank you. >> Um this is the special permit extension request at 0 East Main Street. >> Mr. Attorney Kanapik is here for that. >> You want me to talk about it? >> Please do. >> Good evening, Mr. Chairman and members of the board. Pleasure to be before you again. For the record, Rob Kanapik, counsel to 85 Realty Corp. And as you read, this is a request to extend uh the time [snorts] frame within which
003to act on a special permit by We requested a period of 2 years. This is a special permit that was issued to construct a wholesale facility at 0 East Main Street in Milford, Massachusetts. Um I'm a little bit of a Johnny-come-lately to this. I'm sure you all know a lot more about the project and the prior proceedings uh probably than I do, but I've read the papers. I understand the zoning bylaw, and it says that if the um the rights under a special permit aren't exercised within a year, um then then they lapse. So, this is a request to extend that by We've asked for a period of 2 years. Um the special permit was issued in um according to the town clerk's certificate of no appeal, anyway, the the appeal period ran through March
00413th of of this year. Um since the special permit was issued, as I set forth in some detail in my letter, um the the applicant has undertaken a lot of the necessary work to actually construct the project. The special permit really authorized the use, but construction requires a lot of additional steps, including MEPA review, um what we call the 401 water quality certification from DEP because of uh filling of wetlands, and a highway access permit uh from MassDOT. The applicant did I think begin that process promptly upon being issued the special permit, but it all it all sort of takes time. The bylaw provides that you have the authority to extend the rights granted under a special permit uh for good cause shown. And as I set forth in my letter, I think that the
005um the time frame required to complete those somewhat complex state permit processes is good cause. So we respectfully request that the board grant the requested extension. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any questions? >> Mr. Chairman, I just want to support the letter from Mr. Knapik. I mean these folks started their process in April of last year right after they got their approvals and it's been going back and forth with the state up until they got their SEIR in February earlier this year. So they've been going at it this whole time. So I think there's good cause for us to grant the extension. >> Okay. >> And I'll add that it's typical for those types of permits to take quite a long time with the with the state. We took it took us over a year
006to get something be for because of natural heritage and so for the Godfrey Brook for the Godfrey Brook um project. Fortunately, that's part of the process. >> Any questions for the board? >> Yeah, quick question if I could ask Is it typical for a lot of these permits to be in series like we're seeing on this or you know >> So the only one that they could have potentially applied for before they got the special permit would have been the MEPA one. Um and you know, whether or not I don't I don't think they could have applied for any of the other ones prior to. That one they could have um but you know, whether or not you want to put money towards something with that you don't have the approved use for. >> Which
007would make sense. You you'd want to go through, get the MEPA and this is only for my own kind of learning tool, right? Get MEPA first and then start going your traffic survey or traffic permitting and other those other permits that >> Yeah. I I don't think they did anything >> I'm not I'm not like saying I'm asking for my own clarity. >> When it comes to when I think when it comes to getting a permit for the use that is the primary objective. >> Right. >> Um because that kind of lays out what you're going to apply for with everything else. >> Sounds good. Any other questions? I guess the only thing that I'm in in more just to keep track of what's going on. I I guess I'd be more comfortable if it
008were for a year just so we know what's going forward and what's been completed or not not necessarily cuz I'm saying they should be done or not but um I sort of like the idea that at least now we know where it is in the process and and we get that update so >> yeah. >> I think that's fine. We can track it during the year and if we're approaching that one-year mark and construction still hasn't commenced, we'll appear before you again. >> You want to make that motion, Jerry, or you want me to? >> I'll I'll make a motion that we uh provide a one-year extension. >> Second. >> Okay. Any uh any other discussion? Okay. Um all in favor? >> Aye. >> Unanimous. >> Great. Thanks, folks. >> All right. Thank you. >>
009[clears throat] >> I'll print this out and send it out tomorrow. >> Okay. The next order of business we have >> out tomorrow. >> We have a site plan application for an ADU at 26 West Walnut. Joe uh Joe's >> motion I'll second. >> Yep. >> You made a motion to approve it now? >> You can. >> What do you want to say? >> I make the motion to approve it. >> No, Marvin. >> I think this is all just all >> Okay. So, on the ADU? >> Yes. >> So, yeah, that's the sewer has to go directly to the >> I'm not sure. >> I mean, it says there's arguments for two or four. I say it's up to the up to the, uh, plumbing inspector. If he wants to allow it, it's fine.
010That's That's my >> Again, my That's only my >> I would have I would >> That's my opinion. >> I would 100% agree with you, except for that came up. >> What are we talking about? >> I have no idea. >> We We're kind of Please. >> Um >> Please spell your last name, Stephanie. >> M Y S I U [clears throat] K So, we, um we haven't gotten the sewer approval yet because before we can even get any further with building, we have to go to the planning room and make sure we meet the setbacks and the parking requirements for the ADU itself. So, what's up for debate right now with sewer is if we connect to the street, which would be insanely expensive because it's totally against gravity and the chamber is we
011would need a a lot. It would be a lot. So, we are working with sewer and building to try and get the approval with them to connect to the house, but that's secondary to getting the planning approval to be able to build it. >> Okay. >> Was there a discussion with the building inspector about um signing off on something like a group under understanding so he can issue this I I believe this is the one that I had a conversation with him about and and legal. So he he can he can and and basically has to issue the building permit regardless of where things stand with sewer but we did what this I don't want to I don't want to tell you >> Do we read his letter? >> Whose letter? >> John Everett's. >>
012It's yeah, it's easy. >> Um back story to this project is we submitted last year and it got denied because we didn't have the sewer approval. So we resubmitted in the hopes that we could work through the whole process going through planning and then building releasing and then working separately with sewer with engineering plans with something that they're comfortable with. So we're about 9 months in and already been denied once but we meet all the requirements other than sewer has asked us for. >> Mr. Chairman, I got no problem with uh doing the approving the site plan because we have to. Uh the sewer is up to the sewer department and the building inspector. They have nothing to do with us. Same thing with the water. >> But the point of >> Do we have
013a second because we have to? >> [laughter] >> Was that in the form of a motion, babe? >> I thought of No, I just I I will I will if you want. I just if somebody else wants to I'll I'll make the motion that we approve it and then we can have the discussion. >> Second. >> Okay, any discussion? Further discussion on this. I certainly would like to hear from the town planner but obviously the I well, I'd prefer to hear from the town planner then I can ask my questions from his letter. >> Sure. So in my letter the existing livable space is 1,804 sq ft. So, the ADU of 900 sq ft is legitimate. Um I talked about the independent sewer line. The one thing about the plan is the parking space is
014not shown on the plan. >> So, the driveway as it exists can the house six cars. So, the way that it's laid out is that the ADU is at the far back of the driveway and there's two dedicated spots that go beyond where the garage is underneath the house. So, that would be out of the way parking for the existing home and allow parking for the ADU. >> I can see it on the aerial. >> Yeah, but thank you. >> Yeah, >> [snorts] >> if if if if you can see it on the aerial >> Yeah, I can see it on the aerial, but it's not shown on the plan. That's my That's my one question there. >> I just [clears throat] think it does need to be shown on the >> It needs to
015be shown on the >> I can certainly have engineering do the plan to show the driveway and dedicated spots. >> The other thing >> Yeah, you I can't I can't tell you that you can fit six [snorts] cars by looking at the aerial. >> Right. Correct. >> So, we need one parking spot for the ADU, which we do have no matter what. We >> Right, but you need it in addition to what you need for the >> Which is two parking spaces for the main >> No. >> Two per unit for the >> main house. >> Two Two per unit for the main house. >> Okay. >> So, it's an ex- it's an existing two-family, correct? >> No, no, no, it's a single-family. >> Oh. >> So, then >> Yeah. >> Sorry, my brain's >>
016[laughter] >> out of it trying to read through my notes. >> I just understood >> That straightens things out. >> Um it's a single-family home. >> So, you need a total of three spaces. Okay, that's I was confused cuz that makes sense. >> Three spaces. >> So, I certainly have no problem getting engineering to redo a plan that shows the driveway to submit. Um but we we definitely do have >> Is there a dedicated space for it? >> Is there a garage underneath the >> Yes, there is a one-car garage underneath the existing home as well. And that's the pull-off for that is separate from >> [clears throat] >> I'm sorry? >> Well, that's what that's what got me confused is why we need why we talking about six. If we only need three parking
017>> Yes, sorry. So, what I was trying to say is we have enough room for six cars comfortably in the existing driveway as it stands right now. We have a dedicated space that's separate off to the side, doesn't interfere with any of the travel of the main house. >> You guys don't have to move your car to let the baby tenants' car get out? >> No, just the way that the end of the driveway is at the top of the hill. >> I guess it That's that's all I really want to see. I mean, I'm sure there's enough space, but I'd like to be able to make sure that there's that the the plan shows that there's adequate access to get around, you know, that we don't have >> Okay. >> In addition to that,
018the property is in the RA zone, so there's an open space requirement for 2,000 square feet per dwelling unit. So, the ADU is need So, there should be 4,000 square feet of of open space, so we need that calculation on the plan. If that's possible, if it isn't, then we need to see it. >> Sure. >> So. >> Okay. Any other questions or comments? >> Mr. Chairman. >> And based on that, does that When you say open space, does that include um like impervious surfaces or not? >> No, does not. >> No building or pavement. >> Right. >> Lawn. So, basically lawn. >> Yeah, that's right. Yeah, so I just wanted to be clear. Lawn is 10,555 [clears throat] sq ft minus 4,000. >> You just need to show the 4,000 somewhere. >> Well, at
019least in the calculation. >> And that's the beginning. That's what goes back to being our requirement, correct? Yes. >> You seem to have a very good understanding of these things. I would probably be fired if I didn't. >> [laughter] >> Well, I thought you were the homeowner. >> No, I'm not. I So, um my boss actually owns the home and I'm managing all of it. Um So, I work for an a construction company, so >> Got it. >> Yeah. So. The ADUs are the easier of some of our projects at this point. >> It's to your pleasure of the board. >> So, do you think you could see 4,000 sq ft of open space on the property? >> I do. I think even after the ADU, um between the front and what's left of the
020existing backyard after the ADU, I do think there's adequate space. >> I I Without being able to calculate it, I would think probably. >> Mhm. >> I mean, I could um Do you want me to calculate it right now? >> Sure. >> Please, Robert. >> All right. >> I would like to see >> I want to see that. >> Look, we just do the approval subject to the provision of the plan showing the parking and the calculation for the open space. >> Yeah. >> And yeah. So, in the meanwhile, they can just submit it and uh >> Quick question on that. I guess, you know it it goes away from us, right? Like, if we ask for that, then then who's the next approver of that? >> building inspector >> Right, to make sure. So
021>> He's the one [clears throat] that's supposed to make sure there's a parking space. >> Right. I realize that. So, I I I guess we we've done this a few times. I'm still not comfortable with it. I'd rather see approved plans come in to us. I'd rather something like this get continued and and have an approved plan with the questions that that our town planners proposed in the parking zone. Just that is my opinion. I don't I'm not against it overall. I just think that [clears throat] there are certain aspects that are missing off these plans and I'd rather see a like complete plan and without having to uh motion for with contingencies to it. >> We also have a review criteria in our bylaw and I can read these and we can comment on
022them if we wish. Internal circulation and egress of such safety is protected and access via minor streets servicing single family homes are minimized. I don't think there's an issue there. Visibility of parking areas from public ways. Again, it's an existing driveway. Uh adequate access to each structure for fire service equipment is provided. I think so. Fire truck can get into the driveway. Adequate uh sorry. Utility and drainage for the land on which the site review is sought will be adequate. Fire provisions meeting all applicable regulations provided. There is no changes to that, I don't think. Utility and drainage. Uh major topographical changes or removal of existing trees are minimized. Are there any trees being taken down on there? >> There may be one smaller, more like a sapling, but nothing of any size. >> Okay.
023Trees. >> I did do I printed out um a view from the driveway from the Google Earth where you can see where the tree line actually is in the backyard and and they would be sitting to the right of that. >> Okay. And uh >> [clears throat] >> in a budding or existing residential districts, effective use made of topography, landscaping, and building placement to maintain to degree feasible character of the neighborhood, lighting parking areas to avoid glare on adjoining properties. I'm assuming not asking for it, but is this is there a fence that's going to go in or anything? >> There is an existing fence that separates um this property from the neighbor's property. >> Great. >> All righty. But, if we need to do upgrades to that fence, we're not close to it. >>
024I don't think I don't think that's something we can ask for. I was just curious. And uh lighting of parking areas to avoid glare. This one can be floodlights or anything pointed at the neighbors, so >> No. >> Those are the criteria the planning board for to consider as part of their >> Thank you, Matt. >> Yep. >> 4,000 is closer than I thought, but it's there. >> You okay? Any other packet? Was there a letter from the water department? >> Very close, but there's a limited access cuz it's it's a legal easement. >> It's not in here. It's a legal easement. >> Um if they can they can definitely get to it. Based on from the aerial, it's a lot tighter than I thought it was going to be, but and I'm just estimating
025where the I don't know where the actual ADU is, so We can touch on that back there. >> Yeah, how many 25 by 35? I guess yeah, one other thing is metal logistics is obviously the letter from the water department says a dedicated water line. It's not shown on the print. Just what To me, we're just we're There's multiple incomplete parking water line. >> So, the water line is separate with the water department cuz we're working with them as well on the tie into the house. So, they will [clears throat] show us where we have to take it. >> According to the letter we got, it says it has to be a dedicated water line coming from the street. >> Okay, we have not been shared those letters from either sewer or water that you've
026talked about today, so that is news to me. Certainly don't mind doing that, but we will have to have a conversation with them as well, too, cuz the ADU is a protected >> I don't think they're proposing to put in a well, so they get water somewhere. >> Yeah, that's That's why I was just pointing out the letter the email from John Erickson. >> All right. >> Look, look, I I must have read that before and I don't know if you've seen that and I think it's important while I agree we can't hold them up, >> Yeah. >> I think it's important for them to understand that the building inspector can not issue a um >> We We do understand you can't issue a permit without sewer and water approvals. >> Well, he So, it's
027it's very it's it's very specific. It He He He cannot issue the building permit if you don't have an approved water tie-in. But, you but he can't issue the certific- certificate of occupancy until the sewer >> is connected. >> is is approved. >> Okay. >> So, just because I I just want to make sure that it's clear that you can get a building permit and still not be able to get a certificate of occupancy. >> Okay. >> So, it's in your best interest to make sure that you're going to be able to tie into the sewer before you start building. >> Yes. Yes, we absolutely do. >> [laughter] >> That's That's That's good advice. That's the whole That was That's the only reason that I think it makes any sense for this stuff to come
028in front of us is because >> Right, that was the main thing. >> Well, I think the other thing The one other thing was we wanted to have some sort of record here in this office of where did the sewer go and where does the water go? At least show it on the plan so we had an idea of where it was. >> our proposal, yeah. >> Yeah. And well, into some level having a letter from either one of those boards saying Yeah, it's going to be something like this or not. You know, just so we have some sort of record of it within within the office here. Because if if water is going to require it to be a separate connection, then I'd like to know, you know, at least know and have it
029shown on the plan and I mean, there was a reason why sewer wanted it to go out wanted all the connections out into the street and the fact that it's going to be expensive. So, to me is it is it an issue with sewer? They they said they were going to have a separate connection. >> And you I know you referenced that it's in the plumbing code that they're they're the ones that have to deal with it. Well, we had a situation where somebody did put a sewer from one building to the other and the sewer department would not would not sign off on I'm just letting you know. Wouldn't sign off on this on >> They don't have to sign off. >> Well, apparently the building department thinks they do. >> That's why I
030say we don't need this >> Let them argue with us, right? >> I could care less. >> That's fine, but [clears throat] I think it's helpful. >> Again, Joe likes to think I don't like this. It's it's a It's a rubber stamp joke. >> Well, again, I I'd like to have the plans at least in in the department that are correct. I know we can't necessarily turn them down, but I'd at least like to have plans in front that actually show what's going to be done. >> Of course. Okay, so so so the issue is whether it's required to have a separate tie-in, right? >> No. >> Well, that's >> Well, it depends on >> Joe Nardone's thing That's his thing. It's not >> That's not part of our review criteria. >> Okay. >> This
031is something that we've asked to be on the plans. >> Okay. >> Yeah, something that we've asked to be on the plans. I mean, we have no say one way or another. We I'm just looking at it to say I'd at least like a complete plan that has some And again, I'm not looking for designed you know, whole thing that it's perfect or I'd like to know is sewer going to look like this or is it going to go out to the street? Is the water going to be approximately here or is it going to be out the back somewhere like that? Just so there's some record of where it was supposed to go in. >> What what does the owner want? >> So, we'd like to tie it to the house. And the reason
032there's a few reasons for that. One is because for us as a builder, it makes sense. Two, because of where the property sits and the elevation of the street versus the ADU, if we were to run it up, we're blowing up the driveway, we're going down at least 7-8 ft even to be able to run the pipe back to the ADU. You're going to need a pump chamber, you're going to there's there's a lot of work that goes into it that's not just it's blowing up half the property. >> both, right? Water and sewer? >> If we do, yes. And they have to be 10 ft apart. So, I'm not only blowing up the driveway, I'm now going into the yard and that's running right up to the existing home. So, >> Okay. What's the
033hardship of showing that on the plan? >> Showing We just haven't got that far with the sewer department or the water department. We don't know if they're going to let us go yet. So, that's the other reason. >> Sewer and >> The plan the engineering plan >> a chicken and the egg. >> Sewer is shown on the plan. >> The sewer The there's no right. So, normally when we have a site plan, we have a little more control over what we approve. [snorts] So, um because your regulations for site plans um your regulations for site plans allow you to wait until you have sewer approval to approve the site plan. But, the way that the the way that the ADU law is written and the way that our zoning bylaw for site plan review of
034ADUs is written, it basically says you can't ask for any of that stuff that you normally ask for. You can only look at this very narrow parking space parking space. Um yeah, it's not there's really there's it the like that's the the zoning bylaw and which was written the way it was because of uh the state law and they wouldn't approve the zoning bylaw allowing us to um review it as a regular site plan. So it's [snorts] it does feel like the chicken and the egg, but in this particular case we don't have anything to do with >> We don't control the >> whichever one comes >> [laughter] >> whichever one came second. Um we can only deal with the parking space. Um the um the open space and even that is a little bit
035of a stretch. Um there's just not really much for us to do which is why there was an attempt to just take it out of our hands all together. >> Does that make sense? >> I think so. So there's a plan in front of us. It's a pleasure of the board. >> I made the motion. Who seconded it? >> You got a second? >> I did. >> Yeah yeah yeah you seconded it. >> You made the I think I did. >> So it was the to approve it subject to, right? Subject to >> Put the put the parking spaces in. >> But not but not the water >> So it's up to the they they're going to fight this. >> I'm not asking about the sewer. I'm asking you the water. >> I'm not asking
036about the >> Because the >> Just the parking space. That's all. >> And the open space calculation. >> Yes. >> If I understand things right though, I think we do remember that it's not that comfortable with the motion and the >> That's what I just wanted to make sure that uh the fact that the water department is looking for a separate service, that we don't Do you want to approve it subject to that? Do you want >> I I motion doesn't go. >> We are happy to provide the engineering plans second that are done. She planned to walk myself. So everyone has everything. We don't want to keep anyone in the dark. That's not what we're trying to do. It's just >> I just want to Yeah, I just want to make sure that that
037Matt or I don't release something that you don't want us to as a board. >> I can't imagine that happening. >> Well, it can if we're confused about what we're >> This is why I don't want a site plan that we got to approve anyway. We're spending all this time wasting wasting our time on it. >> This is why >> Let's vote. Let's vote. >> Okay. All in favor? >> Aye. >> Opposed. >> Four in favor, one opposed. >> Thank you all very much. >> Thank you. >> Greatly appreciate it. See you soon. >> Yeah. >> There's no reason There's no reason why >> Good night. >> Yeah, people can't can't put in plans that actually show what they're doing for these goddamn things. It's a joke. >> I agree I agree with you. >>
038Okay, next order of business, ZBA referral 53-55 Congress Street. >> Yes, sir. So what we have here is a pre-existing non-conforming situation which is which is a two-family with a business that used to be a dentist's office. The dentist's office has been vacant for quite some time, but uh according to the building inspector, not abandoned. So, anyway, so what this is is this is to convert the business use into a residential use. So, what we need to see is six parking spaces. And my concern with the plan is the two spaces on Congress Street right at the intersection of Spruce and Congress Street. I know there's a heavy foot traffic with school kids getting out of school. >> Yeah. >> And uh it's right on the corner of I don't know about car counts, but
039it seems to be pretty busy uh during the day. So, all they need are the six spaces in the back, two per unit for the three-family. So, my recommendation would be to uh recommend a favorable vote for the ZBA with the condition that the two parking spaces on Congress Street be removed from the plan. >> Yeah, I can't imagine >> Number one and two are not safe. >> I'm trying to figure out how you get into number one. >> Yeah. >> Well, you need to There's a sidewalk right there, too. >> You need a curb cut. >> There's a sidewalk, right? >> There's no reason why we should have a curb cut in the sidewalk, either. >> Like all of us, I go through that intersection a lot during school hours. I'm sure the rest
040of the members do. >> What qualifies as uh an abandoned >> 2 years of not using it. >> 2 years of not using that. >> Yeah. >> And that is in state law or >> I think so, probably. >> Yeah. >> It's probably state. >> I think it's both. >> I think it might be in the uh zoning >> Yeah, I know. >> Does anybody remember when it was last a dentist's office? >> Yeah. >> That one >> 19 >> 83 >> That was what's-his-name's lawyer's office. Who was Alan uh >> Did you go there, babe? >> No. No, I knew the lawyer that was there before. >> Any concerns with parking spots 5 6 7 8 >> What was the problem with the place across the street? >> No. Okay. >> But I don't
041know who was in this one. >> Any concerns with parking spots 5 6 7 8 being on gravel, not on impervious? >> No, it's actually I mean, in theory, it's worse to put down pavement. >> that, but I just wasn't sure requirement-wise if you needed it. Because again >> You can have a gravel driveway. >> Yeah. >> How do you plow a gravel driveway? >> You don't. >> Carefully. >> Yeah, you just have to fix it every year. That's all it is. >> What kind of gravel do you put down? >> And then I just have a question, you know, parking lot or parking spot three also seems kind of just like placed there in order to get to the numbers. >> I I pretty firmly believe that if you're going to approve they're going
042to have three there, then I don't want them putting any other spaces. They'll figure it out. >> Yeah. >> I don't I think I think the parking spaces are the least of your issue there. >> Realize that. Yeah, that's they're they're just showing I mean, that shouldn't be there, really. >> Right. >> There's a gravel >> They're going to park there if there's if there's if there's not enough room, but they're >> if we if we tell them this is if if we tell them they can't have that space, then they're going to show the space out front, and I don't want the space out front. So, I'm happy I'm happy to accept the space in the back. That doesn't make a whole lot of sense. >> I make a motion that we send the
043approval to the zoning board with the stipulation that they remove uh parking spaces one and two for safety reasons. >> Second. >> All right. Any other discussion? All right. Um Let's have a vote on that. All in favor? >> Aye. >> Eric? >> In favor. >> That's unanimous. Any Anything Any status on the zoning bylaw amendments? >> Uh nothing today, sir, but I am curious why we have a member of our audience here. >> [laughter] >> This is the reason I'm here. The zoning bylaw amendments. When I was reading the plan over >> Mhm. >> Um >> Uh what is your name and address? >> Janet Colabone, 461 East Main Street. >> 461 East Main. Thank you. >> when I was reading it over and it said one use uh for the distribution facilities needs
044further clarification. Um as our bylaw only has a warehouse definition. Fitness centers um are absent from the bylaw and this is the one that I'm really concerned about. It's static storage centers. [snorts] >> Yeah, me too. >> I don't want that and then I I don't like it. >> And that's something I've been looking into is sometimes have been >> I've done some research here that I really I could go over because I think that especially where I live, which is across the street from zero East Main Street, I wouldn't want it over there in any way or in our town at all. >> So sometimes have been putting moratoriums up until these regulations are finalized. Um the regulations for the state are supposed to be finalized this summer. I've heard that before. It might
045be pushed back, but a lot of towns are putting like one to two-year moratoriums so the towns can put their own regulations forward. That might be something we want to explore in the fall. Cuz these things I mean the power that they demand is astounding. And having the capacity with any of our electrical lines, I'd be shocked if we even have it. I don't know if we can support a lot of large-scale solar arrays. >> The water is also a major issue. >> Another big one. >> It is constantly coming and heating over and we need to cool it constantly. So, the water level >> They don't run the same water through? >> No, they don't. They use They use chillers. They don't use water. They use the water over. >> Okay. The same water
046is >> Oh, they got glycol right there. >> It does >> All the ones I know that they use glycol. >> It does require, uh, depending on the design, it does require an exorbitant amount of water for cooling. So. >> It's I've been reading that it's It says that it can take up to Well, do you know how much the >> 5 million gallons of water daily. >> Yeah, so it can. It depends on on the technology, but it is >> What I've seen used uh >> gallons a day. >> That's going to be a problem. >> Oh my yeah, I got to water my vegetable garden. >> Yeah, but I know I can't I can't water my >> You're not allowed to water your vegetable garden. >> am. >> Yeah, but you >> I'm
047doing it. I'm doing it. Using my rain barrels. And I think I'm going to sell water back to the town. >> I I was just here to express my feelings about it. Only because I've been reading a lot and watching a few things on TV about it and I I I I want you guys to please >> Thank you. >> The biggest thing I'm I'm sure I'm worried about the rest of the board is water. >> Mhm. >> Absolutely. >> Good. I just wanted somebody from the town to also say it. >> Thank you. >> Well, good for you. >> I sat through it for the time being. >> It's very important to me to come here and say that. >> Well, thank you for your input. >> All right. Thank you. Appreciate your input.
048>> And interest in this important topic. Yes. >> Extremely important. >> Yeah. >> Um where do we stand on the food truck bylaw? >> So I guess we can yeah. >> [clears throat] >> So you want to go first or you want me to go first? >> Yeah, I mean this just came up recently because a food truck festival was cancelled in town. And it's basically an interpretation from the building commissioner. So this is prompting us who we need a food truck bylaw like right away. And and having met previously with Joe and Chris, um the path seems to be making it a general bylaw so it's under the control of select board and keeping our zoning bylaw in place to handle those fixed locations only and have the select board handle the mobile ones.
049That's that's kind of the path we're leaning towards, but >> That makes sense. >> So yeah. >> good sense. >> Yeah, Matt had contacted me. I sent post-it notes from the the multiple meetings. Um but again, you know, as Matt just explained what we thought was going to be a a zoning bylaw really is probably not going to change. If anything, maybe a a small modification to our zoning bylaw. Uh the board of health takes care of the food service side and and realistically uh this will go to a bylaw which will probably be the um select board and and have them oversee it from the from the permitting aspect of it. So more conversation to have, but again, based on our kind of meetings that it it's really not a zoning bylaw issue that
050it it becomes a zoning bylaw issue. >> When we say mobile locations, what does that mean? >> It Yes. >> The definition to the board of health was mobile food establishments. That's their call. >> The reason it's started is the taco wagon set up permanently. They had their own >> I understand. >> electrical connection and all that. >> burritos ever. >> Yeah, they were. >> Yeah, I'm just saying. >> I think our intent was if if it's such that it's going to be there permanently and we need to monitor for parking and layout and whatever. Mobile where somebody's going to just put it there. You know, no no connections, no hookups, it's not a permanent type situation. That that goes to the select board. But if if someone wants to use a truck as effectively
051a building, which they could do, then it should come to us. That's that's my >> Okay. >> That makes sense. >> I just wanted to make sure where we were >> Makes makes a lot of sense. >> I just wanted to make sure where we were confusing mobile with continuing to drive around. >> No, the ice cream truck is a The ice cream truck >> continuously and seasonally through town. Yeah, and again that's why that needs to get that needs to get to the selectmen and not us cuz we don't want to be dealing with the ice cream truck. >> Right. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Well, that's a >> Anything else on zoning? >> No, I think I'm thinking about those burritos now. >> [laughter] >> Can you hold that thought and talk about
052the comprehensive plan implementation committee? >> Yes, sir. So I I fixed up the charge. Um one of the things we talked about was uh having each of board of commissioner committee attempt to nominate a delegate for consideration of appointment by the planning board. I added that language to make it clear so that we're not just appointing people off of their boards. They have to nominate someone for consideration. And Uh what else did I add? Oh, and then I added the line members with three consecutive absences may be subject to removal from from the the committee by the planning board. >> Consecutive? >> Yeah, three consecutive. That's that's standard for a lot of boards and commissions. Three consecutive, so. >> That's a lot of that's missing a lot of time, even three three three meetings being
053missed. >> Yeah. Granted, you're >> Yeah, this has been kind of kind of Can we just say missing three meetings? >> Yeah, I'm not >> Yeah, that's not happening. Take it or just >> I was I was lucky I could zoom. If I hadn't >> It would have caused a fire storm. Yeah, right. Maybe subject. Um sir, difference It just sits it out there so that if you I'm I I would hope that whoever's on the the thing would make you know, judgments as to yeah, what's going on. >> Yeah. >> [laughter] >> But something like the comprehensive plan, you'd think that you'd want some dedicated uh committee members. >> Right. >> You know. >> Mhm. >> And maybe, you know, we have members that are multitasking doing two or three different committees and that
054kind of would water this down. >> Being on other committees in town, that may be a tough road to hoe. >> Right. >> Just throwing it out there. I don't, you know, again >> Yeah. >> I'm not I'm not It's It's not going to It's It I don't think it's going to be on the top of a lot of people's list of meetings they have to attend. Right. If we can find people to do it, that'd be great. But we're going to need to You're going to need to allow for some level of of the fact that at times people are going to be missing the meetings. >> Yeah. >> I get elected by the people and the people going to throw me out. That's just the way I look at it. >> Okay, I
055just I just had a problem with the word consecutive. >> Yeah. >> But that's the only problem I had. I think if you missed three meetings >> per year? >> Yeah. And I'm okay with having the wiggle room May is fine, too. >> May has to be in there, in my opinion. >> Yeah, members with three absences per year may be subject to removal from the >> I would be happy with that. >> I don't think it's legal. >> Well, I think you're going to You may get into a There's a fixed number of people that are going to be available for these positions and you're going to get into a situation where if you really wanted to put it down, you're going to end up having a revolving door. Oh, missed he missed three
056she missed three. Okay, we're into the third one from the you know that each board is making a record they only have so many people. You're going to go around and around. You start missing three meetings. >> needs to be in there because I think we're going to get ourselves in trouble. Let's put it that way. >> people to run for the position. You want to draw them out. >> But you're not a viable person if you're missing three meetings anyways. You're you've you've lost a lot of the the pertinent information. I think that's what we're getting at. So, I realize that there is a concern for people uh running for these positions or nominating for these positions, but again if if if they're just if they're a token person that's on a board so
057they can throw it on their resume and they show up once or twice a year, then what what what sort of usefulness are they providing to that committee? So, again, it's a slippery slope. I get it. I understand where you're coming from, but I think we also got to you know, let's try to open it up and promote it to people to be on these boards. >> It's a problem we haven't had. I mean, we this is one of the better boards for people >> for attending. >> Attendance is really >> Yeah, I think I think you got to you're going to have to see how the how this plays out and how active it can actually be or not be. I mean, the other thing that we're facing is >> I want to be
058here. >> There isn't a lot of spare money hanging around in the town right now this year and going into next year. So, what's what's available for the comprehensive plan and what kind of changes can be made are probably going to be severely limited, so having meetings to may not be all that important right now or not. So, but I mean, you know, that's something that you need to face. You've got to look at the situation that we're in. I mean, I I have no problem with it either way as long as it says may because I think we we're going to need to evaluate whether you really want to take somebody off or not and what the reasoning is. >> Right. >> Okay. Okay. >> Yeah, with the word may in there, I'm good
059with it. >> Okay. >> Good. >> Okay, so am I getting ready to put second in for it or not? >> Like I said, I'm either I'm fine with either one. >> Yeah. I don't feel strongly. >> Okay, does that include also the planning board? Do you know what I mean? Are we having >> All right, why don't you straw vote on this? >> What's the plan? How many members are we having from the uh >> Just one. >> Who wants it in? Oh, you said Oh, I thought Okay, ask again. Start at the beginning. Who wants to keep consecutive in? >> Not me. >> Who wants to take consecutive out? >> Take Remove the consecutive. >> Okay. >> You're good. >> All right. >> Take consecutive out. >> Awesome. >> Sound like we don't
060know the straw votes. >> Just trying to help out my boy Matt here. Very good. Thank you. >> Okay. All right. So, anything Is there a draft that we need to review or is it going to be a wait? >> Let's just review. >> Great. Any board rules and regs? >> Council has not looked at these yet. They've been uh floating around his inbox since I think February, so but this is it's in >> There's [clears throat] been a lot of In fairness, there really has been a lot going on. >> Yeah, and I and I understand that, and I've been I've been talking to him about so many different things, but um I do need to bump this up a little bit, cuz it's it's right in our bylaws say the planning board should
061adopt rules and regulations, so that's what this is. >> We do, don't we? Don't we have an extra one on retainer? >> Yeah. >> Sorry, I understand all of that. >> [laughter] >> Okay. >> Sure. >> Curious, cuz was anything that did we or discuss anything about a deadline timing standpoint to submit, you know, materials submissions or materials for review and and consideration before our meetings, so that way, you know, if if the planning department got a, you know, materials and before the close of business before meeting on a Tuesday night, you submit it to us. So, I'm hoping for is should we institute some sort of deadline 24 hours before the scheduled meeting to that it has to be submitted to the planning board, or excuse me, the planning and engineering office, and that
062way it gives us gives them time to distribute it out to us for review, as opposed to something that comes in at the 11th hour, you read it into record for us, but we really haven't had a chance to to fully review it. >> I brought this up when I first started here, and I was hoping to set a deadline of either Thursday or the Friday before a meeting. >> So, >> I certainly would be in favor of that. >> I My only two cents would be that sometimes I don't get to reviewing something until pretty close to the meeting, and you know, if it's a whole bunch of stuff that needs to get revised, then I would agree entirely, but if it's, you know, relatively minor I I I just I guess are you
063guys open to is the board open to some leeway to that? >> I think I would I I was more focused on submissions from from the outside coming in and less about letters from the two of you and and recommendations. >> So, it's something like the ZBA here. >> I mean, equals also challenging the staff to review it >> Right. >> before our meeting. >> That's That's my point. >> It's like yeah, the ZBA referral we just got. I got it on Thursday and I'm like we're not going to hold a meeting till July on this. So, we need to review it right away. So, I didn't have my letter ready for your packets. So, I think that's one of the things you're kind of talking about here. Um but I had it ready for
064tonight. >> one we we have no choice. Those we have no choice and the others I I don't think we've had an issue. I mean, if if stuff has come in and and staff hasn't had a chance to look at it, we've said, "Okay, continue it to the next one or we're going to turn it down because it didn't come in in time." We've never had an issue with that. So, I I wouldn't put it in because then it then it sort of gives the connotation that if it does make it, that means [clears throat] we should have reviewed it and maybe for whatever reason we we couldn't or not. So, I'd rather just leave it the way it is. If it comes in, staff can't review it, we don't have a letter in front
065of us, then they either ask for a continuance or we turn it down because the information's not there. >> We have a time frame anyway. >> We have a general time frame in anything we have to have, but once we get into the continuances where Yeah. We're up in the air. We're somewhat at their their mercy, but they're also at ours. So, we have every reason to say no. Just say, "No, no, I'm turning it down because the information wasn't here." >> I'm just going to tell you that if if if there's a time frame in there, it puts a lot more pressure on me to have to look at things sooner. >> Mhm. >> Because because if I have comments like I and and sometimes they're not huge comments, but you know, something that
066you guys should probably see. Like I just don't want to >> Yeah, I I I think my point was is I guess missed here [clears throat] because I'm not talking about your comments. I'm talking about a plan that comes in that has not been included in the package, right? So ABC Construction submits a plan on on Tuesday morning to you guys. You you know, I understand that you still need to review it and you will talk, but us as planning board members if we get that plan at at 1:00 in the afternoon for a 7:00 meeting we are not going to have ample time to look at the plan. I'm not saying letters. >> I understand, but what if I don't what if I don't look at the storm water until Monday? >> It's it's
067mute. >> And then I give them their comments for uh 225 is a perfect example. I was looking at the storm water on Monday. >> Yeah. >> If they had held the meeting today, they would have had to make all of those changes on Monday night. >> Oh. >> Right. Tuesday morning and then they would have had a revised plan in front of you. It's not >> That's what I'm saying. It's it's pushing it too fast, right? Let them Let them ask for the continuance. >> Mhm. >> Then. >> So that's what I've been asking them. I asked them for the continuance when I'm setting the agenda. >> Right. So when I'm setting it either Thursdays or sometimes Fridays. >> And I think they agreed to it on this particular occasion because they um because
068they're being held up by conservation anyway. >> Right. >> Um but and and it based on my review from Monday, it it may get held up a little bit longer, but they're going to look at me and be they're going to look at me and say, "Well, she didn't get me the comments until Monday night. How am I supposed to have a revised plan to you last Thursday?" That I'm I know that's what they're going to say because that's exactly what I have said to people. >> Chris, first of all, >> [laughter] >> it comes in [clears throat] on a Tuesday, we don't have we don't have to touch it because we have the agenda goes out >> Yeah. >> before and if it's not on the agenda, we don't >> not on the agenda,
069it's it's it's it's materials within an agenda item. >> Then then we then you like Joe says, he you we haven't looked at it. We I'm I'm not comfortable with it. You're not comfortable with it. Continue with it. If you don't want to continue with it, then no. You you shut down. That's simple. It's still going to make rules. Just do it. >> The decision on the floor. >> I think it's a good I like it's something that I think Matt has been pretty good about telling people you really need to have it in like he's like he said, he's getting in touch with people before he sends out the agenda. I think that that's the >> Yeah, that's that should be the mechanism. And then even then that's not that's not a problem. I
070mean, that's you know, when you take you know, you need to get it in at least by this amount to give us adequate time. That's not to say we will or won't. And then we'll just go with it from there. >> Sounds like a rule. >> [laughter] >> Exactly, but it's a rule that you can >> No, rules are in writing. >> Right. >> Well, then it's not a rule. >> said sounds like a rule. >> It's too many Too many rules. You rule yourself out. >> I just I feel like you know, hey, every time I bring this up, it's always seems to be a fight with all the boards and I just find it very funny that then eventually everybody comes around and realizes that it's a neces- necessity, so it's just something
071that again I've implemented on other boards that I'm on. It's worked well. I'll bring it up to this board. If this board chooses not to to set ground rules, that's okay. >> You'll be ready to say I told you so? >> [laughter] >> Maybe. >> [clears throat] >> So so we we get the package ahead of time. Not necessarily the day of the meeting. >> Right. >> I send it out on the weekend. >> that adequate enough time? Like if we have it 3 days prior? >> That I'm okay with, yeah. And and Matt's been wonderful. I'm just >> saying if something were to change from the first submission on two on Thursday, okay, changes meeting. I sent it to you, sir. >> Yeah. Okay. >> [snorts] >> Seen it too many times. >> Sometimes
072when I get something in digitally, I'll send it to you guys on the Monday or Tuesday, so it's not just showing up at the meeting. >> Yeah. >> And you're very good about sending us >> We're good. >> What we have doubts >> What? >> The letter should >> It's It's just It's just a matter of whether or not Matt knows what he's doing with them. >> I don't I don't I I I don't I don't I don't >> I don't I would have to tally. I would have to tally. >> I haven't had an issue. I've never had a problem saying this didn't come in soon enough for us to do something. You know, so I I I don't see the need for based on where we are. >> I know, yeah. >> He
073doesn't need a straw vote because he's got a loud mouth and is more than happy to make sure everybody knows what he's thinking. >> What it is. [laughter] It is what it is. >> Your voice carries pretty well. >> It's meant to. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Satisfied? >> I think we're good. >> I voiced my opinion. >> Okay. >> Thank you, Chris. >> Appreciate it. Um All right. So, let's uh Any more on this subject or should we move on? >> Yeah. Tony and Janie, are we good? I haven't asked you all in the walls. >> Oh, I bet uh Beaver Street. Um When did I I haven't been up there. I haven't been up there this week. I will make sure I go up there. I think I went there last week. Um
074But yeah, they were um they were moving along. It's like they were going >> Why'd you grit your teeth when you said that? >> [laughter] >> Um Well, I will tell you they put they moved >> moving along. >> along. They moved the uh the the big the big problem actually with that that came up afterwards was the whole do no right turn sign. People were turning right. Which I had no idea how often people go the wrong way on one-way roads. Two, three times a week on Central Street. Two, three times a week. What? That's insanity. I had no idea. So, happens all the time over on Beaver Street, especially when they read in the section of Central Street near Main. Two, three times a week. >> People go the wrong way? >> Two,
075three times a week. >> [laughter] >> I was I was behind I I wasn't behind a guy, I was in front of a guy because he was going the wrong way on um on North Bow Street. Which is I will say is confusing cuz part of it's not one way and then all of a sudden it turns one. But the guy the guy is following the trash guy who is going the wrong way, which obviously he has to go the wrong way because he has to pick up on the right side with the the way that Oh. So But that's I when I told the guy and I told him just I was like, "Do you Do you realize this is a one-way road?" And he's like, "Well, why is he going this way?" I'm
076like >> [laughter] >> Anyway. So there was a lot of people coming I don't There were some people coming on the site and I I almost did it myself, to be honest, because you come in that way and I had to go out that end of town and I So I I started I made a very funny-looking left-hand turn because I started going right and I was like, "Oh, wait, I can't." Um >> So there is a sign there now saying no right turn? >> There's There was always a sign, but they've relocated the sign across the street from the driveway, so it's a little more visible. They uh I think he put a one-way sign underneath it as well. And um And I think it was Scott Crisafulli that recommended um putting a wrong
077do not enter wrong way or something like that um on one of the posts as you're going. So that actually has been the most helpful because there's plenty of people that are taking a left out of the driveway at McDonald's. Taking a right out of the driveway of McDonald's that comes out onto Beaver and coming down and don't realize they're going the wrong way. So >> Constantly. Was Was that ever considered for two ways? >> Constantly. >> We're actively working on it, but it's going to take quite a bit of time. >> Okay. >> But, it is something Um >> It's been decades. >> It has been decades, but I'm I'm feeling slightly optimistic. >> Good. Good. >> I will check in on the wall again. >> Any other updates from town engineer? You okay?
078Town planner updates? >> I was going to bring up updates, but our our resident already did. I was going to mention that there's more turns, but I I've already said that, so. >> Yeah, that they do sound problematic. >> Mhm. Good input. Good. >> Should you check with legal on the moratorium? Is that something >> State >> Uh the city of Lowell just adopted one, and a couple of the small towns are starting to do it. So, the city doesn't have to wait till town meeting. So, they just did it. >> Oh, yeah. Oh, we would have to do it at town meeting. >> Well, >> When can we start doing stuff? >> I don't know if that the selectmen could possibly do it, but we can't do it at most of town meeting. >>
079It has to go into the zoning bylaws, so it's town meeting. >> Then that means it can't be till town meeting? >> Right. >> When can uh when can we start doing stuff for town meeting? >> You could send it in whenever. >> So, >> Well, there's there's >> You can't have the public hearing more than 6 months, which we're close and then like then now. >> Right. It's uh >> I would say we should try to get on some of the stuff so we're not >> Yeah, with the zoning bylaws, it's October. >> Yeah, cuz we don't want again, the worst thing in the world is I hate voting on a zoning bylaw change 2 weeks before the town meeting. >> Right. That's >> I'm anticipating holding public hearings the first meeting is September.
080>> So, we got two >> September. So, we have >> I would I would suggest [clears throat] earlier. >> No. If we discuss it before the town it would before the public hearings. So the public hearings once it's said you can't it's a joke because you can't change it. >> Right. >> Oh okay. Yeah, that's what I mean. I yeah. >> We want to see the discussion before the public hearing so we can make sure that what goes into the thing for the public hearing the >> Because that's like the food truck by law for example. I think there's going to be people that may want to come and talk about it. >> And you're not going to be in July or August. >> Correct. >> So >> No, he is going to be here
081August cuz it's on his birthday. >> All right. When did we change August to? >> 11th. >> I don't know if I'm being if I'll be here August August September could be a problem. I'm not sure. That's too >> [laughter] >> I have I have to have my hip replaced. >> Oh, do you? Oh man, really? >> Going back to hybrid. >> I'm going in well, hopefully things work out. I think I can make the August one. >> What did we say August >> When we 11th. >> August the 11th. >> I'm scheduled [clears throat] right now I'm scheduled for the 13th. So I might be back I might miss the first >> I can't be here August. >> Yeah. Hopefully I'm back after that. >> It better be made of air. >> [laughter] >>
0824 months out. >> When do you wait till? >> Scheduled for the 13th. >> And then August. >> Every time to come back. >> Oh. >> Is there any >> Any consideration of moving up a week to the 4th August 4th? >> Well, I should be okay if you are but to avoid birthdays and all that. >> Don't worry about his birthday. >> You know. >> Yeah, it's worse if you move it up to the 4th. It's my mother's birthday. >> [laughter] >> 11th it is. All right. Uh any Okay, chairman updates I have none. Any member updates? Okay. Uh Next meeting is going to be July 14th. >> Yeah, July 14th. >> Motion? >> Yep. >> I'll do second. >> It's the pleasure of the board. >> Move to adjourn. >> Second. >> Okay,
083all in favor? >> Aye. >> Thank you. We'll see you at the next meeting, July 14th.