001Welcome to the Milford Planning Board of June 2nd, 2026. >> Um, the first order of business uh is the minutes of the meeting from May 19th. What's the pleasure of the board? >> I make a motion we we uh we got first of all, we have to amend it. Uh I was present not remote. Uh other than that I uh make a motion we already done that I think. >> All right. >> I see where it says call to order. >> Members present for a call. Call >> No, Mr. B participating remotely. >> Oh, sorry. I left that in. >> That's okay. Other than that, >> yeah, I gota I got to strike that a whole sentence. >> Yeah, good touch. >> Okay, >> with that amendment. >> Yeah. >> We have a second. >>
002Yes. Second. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I'll abstain. Just >> one. I wasn't here, but I can vote, but I just assume not. See, I wasn't here. >> Okay, >> I'll correct the first page. Let me get some >> second order of business. Um 81 PS. We have two of them tonight. Uh the first one, uh five Gordon Drive. >> Yes, sir. So we have here this is a subdivision plan. So in the original subdivision plan back in or few years ago. Anyway, this uh you see in your packets I have a smaller reduced size that shows the pink area that's in question here. This pink area was supposed to be a temporary construction easement. It was supposed to be deed back to the developer. It was supposed to stay in the developer's control.
003However, it was deed to this the applicant the Vieieras and it's part of their deed now. So, what they're doing is they're trying to unload it and according to their deed, they can unload it to whoever they want, but they're unloading it back to the original developer. So, that's really all this is. It's labeled as not a building lot. That's just discarding it and giving it back to the builder. >> Who the uh Yes. >> Yes. That's the first name. >> Yeah. >> Jao and Anna. >> Yeah. >> Yep. Right up here on the top. >> Okay. What's the pleasure to vote on this? >> Move to approve. >> I'll second. >> Okay. Um, we have a vote on that. I >> I >> Okay, approved. And the second 81P is uh full Haywood Field.
004So, unfortunately, um town council reviewed this and required some updates. The applicant here is the town. It's not um it's not the Italian American World War Vets. It's the town who's taking care of this issue for the for the vets because right now they built their pavilion on town property. So, they're trying to carve this off and create separate lots, but this plan isn't accurate. So, this will be on our next agenda. >> Okay, sounds good. Okay. And the third one, the site plan application uh for the uh 225 West Street. That's going to be continued to the uh June 16th meeting. >> Yes, sir. >> And also number four, the storm water permit for 225 West Street. >> Yes, sir. >> That's been continued as well. >> Yep. >> 16th. Yep. >> Just need
005a motion to accept both continuances. >> Okay. Motion. Second. >> Okay. All in favor? I >> I that's uh approved. >> Okay. >> Um >> uh just point of order. I I can vote on those. Correct. Now >> last meeting, but we did have the >> Yeah. So the the moment rule only applies to public hearings. >> So these aren't public hearings. >> Okay. Um we have um a site plan review at 31 Viva Street that was continued from May 19th. This is uh on the uh propane storage. >> Mr. Chairman, if I may, um since we have folks here, um could we take out of order the uh ZBA referral for Two Mason Drive? >> Okay, that sounds good. I'm going to recuse myself on that one. myself recusing myself. >> So, two recusals
006on that my junior I'll take over there to spot. All right. So, we had a request for variance uh for two Mason Drive. Um Matt, if you want to read in >> Sure. your letter and we'll start from there. >> Sure. My letter reads, "The applicant requests two variances. The minimum area requirements for two lots. Specifically, the plan is to create a new lot within the existing 34,290 ft lot for two lots that being 21,342 and 12948 respectively. The minimum lot size in the RC zone is 45,000 ft. Given the applicant is employed by the town of Milford, the planning office, I do not feel comfortable making a recommendation at this time, but those are the facts of what's before us today. >> Great. Thank you. >> Thanks, Matt. >> Um, obviously in the packet
007we have the proposals uh and the aerial view and a basically a a architectural sketch. Um, I guess open it up first. I know it's only a ZBA referral, but open it up here first to any of the board members that have any comments they'd like to I mean, I don't I don't see what how we could approve this. I mean, it effectively turns every lot up there into a doesn't meet RC as is. It turns every lot up there into an RB. I I don't know why we would want to do that. >> Yeah. Regretfully, >> I don't you know, there's no there's no specific hardship. I mean, other than somebody wants to have two lots or a house in a lot, and you know, everybody would like to have that, but I don't
008I I I don't think that's the reason why we created zoning 50 years ago. So, >> again, with regret, I concur entirely. >> And uh if if no one on the board um is against, we you know, I know there are different people here to to speak towards it. So, uh certainly would open it up. Again, it's only a ZBA referral, but again, if if board members are uh are for opening it up just to have public comment, I'm okay with it, too. >> It's fine. >> So, yeah. So, if anybody's here for public comment, if you could come up, uh introduce yourself, give your name, your address, and uh if you could keep it to a minimum, but address the board, >> feel free. >> Sure. >> Face this way. >> Yeah, you can
009come right up here. And again, just your name uh and your address. Feel free to sit here if you'd like. Feel free to sit down. You can stand right there or sit either whatever is comfortable for you. >> Sure. I'm David Dutton. My wife and I have lived on that street uh across the street. So, we're direct to Butters uh for 15 years. It's a nice neighborhood. We bought it because of its uh its character and um and we have >> a driver Jensen. >> I'm sorry. We're on uh three Jensen Road. Dutton is the last name, Du T. We are one of the direct butters. Um, so the uh the reason one of the reasons we bought into that neighborhood is exactly what you said. It's an RC um not an RB. And so
010we like the fact that houses look very different but uniform in the sense of the lot, the spread, um the front yards, and this would definitely change the character of that. Um I've talked to different neighbors and I know I can't speak for all of them and I I won't try to, but the sentiment that I can convey is that most people like it the way it is. they don't want to see a change and they don't see a hardship as you said other than someone wants to you know proceed. Now I know the argument has been an ADU and that's something that not I I don't think a lot of people in the neighborhood want either but it's not that we would uh oppose that we cannot but it's more the fact that do
011do we allow one person to do that that's already nonconforming less than an acre and to further non-conform quite dramatically to a third of an acre or less. Um and that might open the floodgates to well if you give that exception then maybe in your neighborhood uh they would say well you did it for one let's do it for another and you can't really say no to once you open that floodgate. So so I think that's my say and we I do attend intend to attend the uh the board uh meeting for the zoning board next week because I know that's a public hearing but I just wanted to convey my me and my wife and how we feel. It's a lovely neighborhood. We like it the way it is and and certainly the owner
012Maria and Jack um are welcome to do what they want to with the ADU. That's the law. But the law also says that there are certain rules to the game and you can't just carve off a property because you feel like you'd like to do that. So, um Okay. So, that's what I'd like to say if unless you had any questions. >> One question. Did you did you receive notification as a butter from the ZBA? >> Uh I did actually. I think it has to be within two weeks. I got it like a a le one day less than two weeks, but that was fine. >> I did. You received. >> Yeah. Yeah. Thank you. I didn't receive it um as of last meeting, but I did following the meeting and I appreciate you're allowing
013us to to share. So, thanks very much. >> Anybody else care? >> Feel free if you'd like to. >> And again, just your name and your address, please. My name is Lisa Sherman and I live at four Jinx Road. So if anybody if this is going to affect, it's going to affect me because my front yard is going to become the the yard of the new house that they want to build is going to be beside my front yard. So if anything is going to affect anybody in the neighborhood, it's me first. And I I have a beautiful yard and I would like to keep the neighborhood just the way it is without having a house right beside my yard. >> That's it. >> Okay. Thank you very much. Appreciate it. All right. Any other
014comment from any of the board members at all? Yeah. Any >> they spoke about the ADU? Obviously, as as you're aware, the ADU the ADU has other things that that obviously allowing this would not. And that's, you know, I think the the difference and, you know, I don't I don't think it's fair to all the neighbors to, you know, to create lots that don't meet what the zoning was in the area here. The ADU is a different if they certainly they have the right by law, right? >> We have nothing to say about it if they meet all the ADA ADU requirements. Yeah, I was going to mention that too that certainly the proposed I think 1300 foot house uh obviously exceeds what the ADU is. So you're looking at something a little bit smaller.
015Obviously the the applicant would have the right to put an ADU. Um I believe the 900 square ft is living space. So they still could put on a you know a sun room and and a twocar garage too. So just as applicants or excuse me as as butters are aware of that. So, um, but certainly the what the applicant is looking to do here is splitting the land up into make two in a sense buildable lots. Um, the ADU obviously changes things up a little bit. Um, but based on where this is, they still have the ability to do the ADU aspect. It just changes the size a little bit overall. So, again, the just to put that out there so everybody's aware of that. >> Yeah. And the non-conforming use issues. Yes. >> If
016if we were to do this and carry >> non-conforming whereas the >> Yeah. >> ADU would not >> fall under that. >> Yeah. So, okay. So, obviously, like I said, this is a ZBA referral going up. The meeting I believe is is next week. So, uh I would be looking to entertain a motion of entertain a motion of a of favorable or unfavorable moving up to the ZBA. Me send it on favorable to the ZVA. >> Right. >> Uh with uh >> if Matt could could draft up based on what the uh what the board has said in terms of the unfavorable going to the ZBA, I I I think that should be included in the letter to the ZBA. it's unfavorable based off it being non-conforming lot >> an existing non-conforming to you know
017with size and that it would effectively change allow the change of zoning for that whole area to to RB for all the lots that are that are in that area >> okay >> second >> and there's also did you say um sorry Joe um the hardship side of it I apologize >> no hardship to include >> also you know there does not appear to be a hardship that falls under the regulations of match general laws. >> Just to make sure it's captured. Yeah. >> Okay. That was said. All right. So, a motion by Joe, second by Martha, and then uh all in favor of sending an unfavorable uh recommendation to the ZBA with the uh notes that Matt has captured. I >> I and I'm also an I >> get the abensions >> and yes
018two abstensions much on that two recusals Maras and Mr. Manini. Okay, got it. Okay, I'll hand things back over to Mr. Moras. Okay. So, >> thank you very much for letting us speak. >> Thank Yes, no problem. I appreciate it. Okay, so we're back to 31 Beimma Street on the propane storage. We had the issue with the wall. Has there been any updated status? Just want to state for the record, Mr. Manenny and Mr. Morice have returned to the meeting. No longer recused. >> Mhm. Bring up the other one. Um so we received uh revised plans from um the structural engineer um so it accurately reflects the site plan now um the he also sent in a memorandum. I should bring that up. Uh he goes through each of the walls. Um wall one is
019one that was no longer needed uh based on the new configuration of the site. Uh wall two hasn't been installed. That's the one that is I think furthest south um closest to it's really uh it's really for grading into the wetland is why the um wall is there. Um so redesigns based on so that we'll be able to see that construction from the it'll be brand new construction. That one didn't fall over. Um, wall three. I just want to make sure I have the right wall. Wall three is the one going in on the left, right? >> You're right. You're south facing entrance wall. >> Um, yes. So that wall um has the the major as of yesterday I visited the site um basically all but the last maybe 50 ft or so um had
020been taken down to the ground. Um they put uh a level crush stone base um and pad to protect subgrade. Subgrade is acceptable. The engineer was out there to to view it. Um and then the um geo Yeah, they started putting the blocks back in. Um with the geog grid um the geog grid was being installed to the correct lengths. Um it was not being overlapped, which was one of the issues last time. Um, it's actually a little odd, I guess, but you're not supposed to overlap the grid. Um, so they, um, they did that. I saw the crush stone behind the wall, the drainage pipe behind the wall. Um, so everything for that wall, uh, appears to be um, meeting the the the installation uh, based on the the plans. Um, wall four uh
021is has the shims. Um, actually I think wall no wall five had the shims. I think they might have both, but regardless, um, wall four is going to be removed down um at least three um at least three blocks deep. Um then they're going to evaluate whether or not the um remaining base stones the the base stones may um can't tell if the batter's off I guess on it. So, um the engineer is going to take a look at it. Um and if those if either the material behind the wall or um the batter um which is the tippiness of the wall batter >> batter. So um >> batter. >> Yeah. uh instead. So straight up would be a zero batter. And you normally you have a wall tilted back towards the fill so that
022it helps like um it helps create a little triangle so it it's sturdier basically. Um this one is currently battered in the wrong direction. Um so it won't work that way. So, so they're going to take down uh and then if so, if if either the batter of if the um base stones aren't level or there's improper materials, then they'll have to remove those bottom blocks as well. Um and I will I I'm certain that the um engineer, structural engineer will be on site to see that. and if they plan on keeping them, I definitely will be out there to take pictures and um but >> is there a way? I mean, I'm just looking at the other comments and stuff and what the construction was. Do do we have any clue as to whether
023that pad is actually anywhere near worthwhile? I mean, I I look at the one like wall three and it sounds like the pad was, for lack of a better word, piece of crap. Um, you know, we're saying we're going to take down three. I I just have no confidence that in fact the base is worth anything out there. >> I I agree and and I suspect that the engineer is going to feel the same way. It's just he wants to, >> you know, he needs to be aware. he's going to be certifying it if he says it's That's why if he and that's why I say if he if he thinks if he thinks it's fine, you know, I don't know that there's much that we can do, but we can certainly um I I'll
024I will take soil samples and I will um make sure that I document as much as I can so that um if there is a problem that you know he knows that I'm on top of it and >> um that'll help him make the right decision. I think um so I suspect that that one will end up coming down to the um to the the grade, but we'll see. Um and then wall five is the one where they put all the shims in, significant shimming, um which are not to be used. Uh so th that wall is going to be um taken down. uh for the time and and rebuilt for the time being. They're showing it being rebuilt to the same um height that they had. Um they are going to possibly that this
025site has different just like we they were eliminate able to eliminate wall one. Um they may be able to do something with this wall to do so they have a little more grading and a little less wall. Um but regardless the what's there is going to come out because those bottom stones are definitely not on stable ground. Um >> on wall five. That's That's why they needed the shims because that one's definitely the on on wall four because the I don't depend like I said they're going to have to dig it up, but the the geog grid may be either under or um or close enough to the duck bank that there's an electrical duck bank on that side. So that may that may have helped hold it and maybe there's better material in there.
026Um so that might have been part of the reason that that wall the bottom isn't doesn't look as bad as of yet. >> So yeah, they certainly um without you know without knowing you've got free saw back there if the piping behind it and the the crush stone is not in the way it's supposed to be. You may not show up immediately, but you're looking for problems downstream that we want to try to avoid. >> Y >> I would like to move that we continue this till at least July 7 because none of this sounds like it's going to happen fast at all. >> So the only thing and and I'm not trying to sway you, but I just want to provide the information. I I made I intended this to be somewhat provocative. >>
027Um the they are looking to get um they are looking to get the amended site plan so that they can um start the they have other permits that they need to get from the fire department and the select board uh to get the propane. Um >> and you can't get those without an an approved site plan. Well, um we the the planning board has asked the um asked the fire chief to um wait until at least we had um a good plan in front of us um as to how they were going to fix it. Um it's really up to you guys if if you want um if you want him to continue holding. Um, I'm sure he will. Uh, if so, if you want to allow him to move forward, um, they still wouldn't
028be able to get occupancy until they have an approved site plan. So, all I guess what I'm asking is, do you at least feel comfortable enough to let them move forward with the permitting on the propane? Um, or do you still want to hold >> Well, I'm not sure I have the rest of the board's support on my motion. So, nobody I could we could we talk about what's what's the time what's the timeline to get this work done? I don't think they are I don't think they're going to have a good idea. Does Can you tell if he's >> Yeah. Well, the reason I ask is because uh I mean I I'm hearing uh through sources that they want to open up sometime this month. >> Anyway, >> that's that's definitely not >> Well,
029that that's that's what I'm hearing. That's uh >> um >> Right. So they they can't open up until they get an occupancy permit. >> Um >> an approved site plan. >> Yes. >> So two weeks ago we went through all this and went through kind of in detail what the issues were. What has what has changed in two weeks? Um from your perspective, >> this the the memorandum that the um the memorandum explain it gives us a clear idea of how he intends to move forward with construction and we have a >> um >> well the memorandum memorandum was part of this two weeks ago. >> Not that one. So it's so this so this has been updated based on two weeks ago because I remember there was a memorandum kind of stating a lot
030of what was here. >> Yeah. May 30th. Okay. >> Yeah. This one's this is a new memorandum and it and it definitely explains more clearly. The other one was was a general overview because he hadn't had time to >> um >> and I know based on that meeting we had two weeks ago and the memorandum we had then is we felt that until a an engineer went through and signed off on wall construction we were putting a hold on things cuz we were not at least I'm myself not comfortable moving forward with other aspects of this project if they can't get the entrance aspect correct. So to Martha's point, I support that. >> Um I just don't know the timing of it. So again, I I feel like again two weeks ago, we said we
031we will start to move forward once we have a structural engineer or some type of engineering report that we can look at, feel comfortable with the project and then move ahead. >> Yeah. So I think the me the memorandum >> I I >> I guess the memorandum in my mind satisfied the report that you were that that we were looking for that just my opinion and and we do have a new set of plans stamped by the um structural engineer. So this is what would have been required. this is what you did require in the in before you approved the original site plan. So they've provided the things that if it hadn't fall if it hadn't fallen down and they were just starting from new, this is what they would have had to provide. >>
032Yeah, >> Mr. Jim. >> Yes, please. Babe, >> being I being the most critical person on this board about this this wall, seeing this the looking at the memorandum from the engineer and seeing what he feels I feel and what our other engineer also watching over I feel comfortable >> with passing the uh the amended site plan now knowing the end thing is the fire chief. We tell the fire chief know nothing's going to happen. So in the end, so I feel comfortable right now that we've let the the uh developer know we're serious about what they're doing. I our engineers serious about w watching them and their engineer is also serious about telling them what to do. So I have no problem with uh going along with the amendment. Yeah, I don't have any
033problems with this. I mean, normally we don't see this much and we still have to we still have to do this in terms of what we normally do. I think at the end of the day, we we had an issue up there, but I don't think that that provides us the luxury of saying we want more than what we normally would. So, I think this is normally we what we would get. The one thing that I guess I would ask is can we that being said and we can approve the site plan contingent contingent on or can we approve it contingent on the the fire chief cannot give a final inspection of the propane tanks until such time as the work on the walls is completed. I'm not sure. I mean I think we can
034ask him that and do that so that way he can approve it. He can get everything all set up, but he can't give he can't go do his final inspection until these walls are done to the satisfaction of the engineer. That's that's what I would >> I mean I think I think he would agree to that even I don't know if I don't know if you can put it in as a condition or not, but either way I will convey that thought and he and he definitely >> I think if we talked to the chief he wouldn't have a problem with that either. >> He absolutely would not. He's he's concerned about um he's concerned about the safety of a truck going in and >> wall falling down >> with the truck on it. >>
035That would be a problem. >> So, >> we have a motion. >> You had you had the motion by m first. I'm sorry. >> But I think my motion failed due to lack of second. >> Okay. >> And I did mean it to be provocative and triggered serious conversation. >> Yeah. I just want to stay procedurally. So, yeah, we did receive everything we asked for, and I think Liz and Joe are spot on with that. Um, as far as the condition, um, the one condition on our original approval was just that, uh, the CO cannot be issued until the site plan's built according to the plan. Right? So, there's still a measure of control and that aspect that the building commissioner is not going to issue a CO until the board's happy with this plan.
036So, I just wanted to point that out. Yeah, I guess this is just a maybe perhaps both and suspenders on my own thing to go to. Uh I mean that that's the way it's always should be per se. I mean that's not that doesn't need to be specific, >> right? >> We've also had cases where somehow magically people have gotten occupancy permits when >> uh you know whether they be temporary because because they feel they can do a temporary and not a permanent. I don't want that to happen. So, I'm I'm I'm thinking that I'd be more comfortable by making sure that we say the fire chief can't do a final inspection of the propane system until until the walls have been approved and accepted by the structural engineer. And I'll make that as a
037motion that we um approve the site plan subject to that. >> Second that. >> Okay. Quick discussion. >> Yes. >> Just going back to the memorandum just for I guess for future reference. You know, I look at this as memorandum. I don't see a stamp. I don't see a signature, you know. So, it it is it's telling us what is going to be improved upon, but the original plans were supposed to be followed to be a structurally sound wall and it didn't happen. So, I feel like where I'm concerned is is yeah, this is here, but it hasn't fully been ex in inspected. And I know it's not our purview to to hold up things, but again, I I'm I'm concerned with moving forward if it hasn't been fully inspected yet because again, it showed
038that they they haven't they didn't build it right the first time. >> It is being inspected, >> but we don't have that approval yet in front of us. >> That's what So, he stamped the plans. >> He did. Okay. So, again, I don't have those stamps. These were all stamped. >> He stamped the new plans. >> That's what I was looking at. >> And that's right. that that's really more important than the number. >> That's what I was trying to get at with what's changed in the last two weeks. Okay, we have an updated memorandum. We have a stamp drawing. That makes me more comfortable. >> Yes. That >> and like the memorandum is is just one example of him, >> right, >> saying I was out there and I saw that like we and
039normally I wouldn't get that. You know, I'll go out and check once in a while and maybe the structural engineer does, maybe they don't. Who knows, right? >> Um but because this because of the failure with the first wall, he's providing us with memorandums >> um from his inspections. So, >> okay. Like I said, I just >> I >> from a different uh a different business set where when things come in, they're either they've got some sort of stamp or signature or approval on them, not just a note. That's all. So, I just kind I get a little bit leerary that anybody can create this with the stamp plan in front of me and pointing that out. I feel better now. Um, but I just hope that again >> that we can he drew up
040these plans and stamped them. So, when it comes back as an as bill, >> right? >> He's saying it got built to this. So, so we have the >> we have this is what they're supposed to build. Whether that's what's out there now or not, it's up to him to tell us and then and then to stamp it. That's why I'm That's why I'm harping on the need for continual inspection during the process because again, we had a wall fall down >> and that was off a stamp plan >> and he's so and he he's Yes. Um but and he's going to be he so this is the other piece that you may want to include as a part of I don't they have not um submitted the updated as of today I think um
041they haven't updated the submitted the submitted the updated plans to the building department for their um for the building permit for the retaining wall. So, it's mostly a paperwork thing, but I think that that's something that um you may >> we're constantly playing catch-up with this cycle. So, I I I would strongly just just say, "Hey, let's let's hold off until we can get all our ducks in a row." So, I'm I'm not in favor of this right now. >> Well, we would normally not see that for the building department anyway. But again, I realize, you know, but you're just stating the >> the amount of um inconsistencies with this project, >> which was sort of a trigger to a a driving issue to my original motion. I'm just I'm sick of this coming back
042and back and still not being ready for ready for us. >> Any other discussion? >> A message. >> One other item uh to add to the amended motion. There was a red maple tree in the corner where the propane line is supposed to be that we need that relocated. >> Good idea. >> I know that was at the beginning, but >> she needs to be relocated in an area. >> I mean, >> and the pipes, the propane pipes, >> at the end of the day, we have to look at where we are to a certain extent. At least I I you know, he has the right to do all this work without us saying a damn thing. Mhm. >> So to me it's like we're letting him go and get his permit from the fire
043chief. That's all we're doing. The other stuff he has the right to do by right cuz we already approved the plan. He never came back to us. The fact that it fell down is not quote our issue. We wouldn't even know about it. So >> we I think where we are we've and how we normally permit these we have more information than we normally do. I understand there's been a there there has been an incident there, but at the end of the day, I'm I mean, I don't I don't know that holding them up from getting a propane thing at this time really does much, right? >> I would say though, are we approving plans based on like building of bubble gum and duct tape or or building using sound building techniques? approve building techniques
044cuz that's when I approve a plan, I'm assuming that they're going to be using sound building techniques. Obviously, this applicant did not use sound building techniques. So, and I really I completely understand that us we approve based on that. So, for to put a a stop on it. Well, again now now I'm again I'm leerary of the building practices even moving on to this propane until I can see like that they have they can use proper building techniques and practices through in other aspects of the property. And I understand where you're saying like it's technically stopping them isn't in our purview, but I approve plans for this based on approved techniques and >> do I mean but we all we to tell you the truth we never know whether they whether they are or not
045in most cases unless there's a catastrophic failure >> and and they come back for a change otherwise we wouldn't even know it at all. So I I because normally they do build it with proper techniques and they did have something catastrophic. So now it's back to us be because of that. >> No, it's not. >> Well, sorry. Well, because of this. Sorry. The propane. Thank you. >> But it highlighted it. >> Yeah. The only thing that saved us on this was the the safety factor of a propane truck going through the through the walls is the only thing that we had to to grasp on. That was that was tight. >> But uh >> yeah, I just I just don't know that us holding holding this up for two weeks does anything in getting getting
046the walls constructed correctly or not. If he's still going to not do it or not. I mean, I think we're still in the same spot. So to me, if it helps them get permits and get other stuff in, then you know, why bother doing that? I'll I'll I mean we the building inspector has to approve the walls should should be approving the walls and I hope he's looking at it as close as Liz is looking at it and and the you know if we tell the the fire chief that until the walls are done he can't give a final inspection on the propane so he we got multiple ways of not having them open up I I I think we're covered. So, I'm not happy that somebody built the thing. Didn't, you know, doesn't take
047much to know that those need to be on a on a backwards batter into the wall. You know, that that bothers me. But, >> I mean, you know, this this says this is the way they're supposed to be built going forward. That's normally what our purview is. in >> and the and the the the engineer is going to have to sign off on this after it's constructed to the building department >> saying that it was constructed according to these plans, >> right? >> And he's going to be I'm I'm the first to tell you that as an engineer, I am not always out on the sites even though I stamp it and say yes, it was built and can because I rely on information given to me by other people. But when something like this
048goes wrong, I'm not relying on I I can guarantee you he's not going to rely on other people to tell him it was built correctly. He's going to be out there this time >> because he knows there was already an issue and there's you don't want you just don't want to take that chance. >> Understood. >> Okay. So, we have a motion and a second. >> Okay. Um, do we get a vote on that? >> I >> No. >> Okay. Four in favor, one against. >> Okay. Anything on uh zoning bylaw amendments? Anything going on? >> Yes, sir. So, I'm getting way ahead of us here, but I've got some new use ideas for our bylaws. I mean, there's other things that need to be addressed sooner, like parking. Like, we really need to start
049diving into that, but there's a bunch of new uses that keep coming in and we keep getting questions about that we need to have in our bylaw. One of them is we're getting a lot of distribution facilities, but our only definition is warehouse. So, we're putting it under warehouse. So, maybe we should further define our warehouse. say warehouse distribution or storage facility including a mini storage warehouse or warehouse other enclosed building for storage distribution or wholesale marketing and then the definitions below. Those are two separate options for warehouse. Um and then the parking underneath is consistent with something that we already have. Uh fitness services. We just had someone come in with a gym and we treated it like a place of assembly like like a church. like we should have a fitness center or
050fitness services definition in our bylaw. Fitness services for dancing, martial arts, musical instruction, facilities for physical exercise, fitness or health, such as a gym. I think it's a pretty good definition. >> How does musical instruction fit in? >> It's like um >> jazz or size, >> right? >> Oh, right. Things like that. Um uh I didn't call it something different cuz I'm thinking like violin lessons. Yeah, >> I would probably um I mean that would be interesting with parking I think too as to how we handle that because I don't think we handle it well now to be honest. >> So that change would would help us I believe. >> I think so too. >> Oh yeah. Yeah. Good idea. Is >> space for each 180 ft of net floor area, one space for employee
051on the larger shift. So the net floor area, it's not the gross floor area, it's a net floor area. I don't know if we're considering that as the area that they do the exercise as the net, but we could further get into that. >> Yeah, I would I would look into that. I would see how I'm sure other people have that. Some other towns and stuff. It would be interesting to see what they what they have and how they define it. >> And I'm getting a lot of calls about electronic data storage. >> So, I know these things are kind of a >> hot button topic. >> Yeah, they are. So, a lot of towns don't have these in their definitions yet, but I did find one. They call it electronic data storage facility used
052to restore files by means of servers or electronic means. >> As far as electronic storage, uh they they need no parking at all. >> Right. >> One parking. >> Well, no, that and that's the thing. We we don't cover that. We'd have we'd have a huge parking area for no reason at all. >> We have the one on West Street on 140. Um and >> where's that? >> On the right hand side before uh Countryside Drive. Yeah. And that's >> I >> you wouldn't even know it's there. >> Yeah, that's it. You don't know it's there. Uh I did I used to do the plowing for >> and uh that was it. I plowed the area. There was there was one one truck that was there maybe once a week every two weeks. >> Yeah.
053I know. I I I I think there's minimal parking needed, but we wouldn't again we're not we don't have that in. And if it's some if it is going to be a use. >> No, absolutely. >> You know, I I don't want to see a big parking lot for something just cuz we don't have it in our bylaw. So that's that's that is something else. >> Absolutely. >> Possibility. >> So I was thinking one space for each 2,000 square ft for the first 20,000. So that's 10 spaces if it's 20,000 ft. >> Plus one space for each additional 10 after that. >> How depending on the size. >> How many are they typically in square footage? The only one I saw was 45,000. >> Oh, okay. >> That one didn't get built. So, >> yeah.
054>> 45. >> Yeah, I'd look I'd look to see if anyone else address that. >> I think Babe's right. The amount of cars that are going to be in there at any one time is >> that's way over. >> Yeah, it was big. >> But >> five or six cars at the most, unless unless they put in a meeting room or something like that is part of the facility, right? >> The the facility itself, you're never going to use more than five or six pocket spots. But I mean if they if for whatever reason they think they need a meeting room and there's there's seating for 20 people then that's that's a different discussion >> right? Yeah. So >> and then again I guess that would be part of if they come with plans with
055that it would be a mixed juice where you have that type of facility plus the meeting room. >> So again these are just startup things that we for discussion so we can we can dive further into these as we want. >> And then the next one is uh Joe's request for the parking spaces behind buildings. I wasn't sure where >> parking spaces behind buildings >> where there's no no available access. >> So in our bylaw, the standards for computation, I figured we put this kind of at the end of it, parking space behind buildings without direct customer access at the rear of the building shall not count towards parking calculations. This is the sole discretion of the planning board. It may be waved as deemed appropriate. So, it turns out that they do have an
056egress, the planned board can wave it >> or or if the distance from that parking lot to the front door is is >> Yeah, I think I would just I would just wave it. I wouldn't put a distance in. >> Right. >> All right. Oh, yes. No, I'm just saying. >> So, I think that gives the plan board a little bit of control on that. Otherwise, they're not allowed. >> I'm the other way around. I just pocket their pocket spaces. Put them where they want. >> Well, they're not used. That's the problem I have. Well, I I understand that, but that's uh if they want to they want to count 500 spaces and they're not going to use 300 of them. Well, we're the ones that get that get stuck with it. Like down at
057Stop and Shop where we've got 100 pocket spaces behind the building that have never been used in the 10 years the thing's been there and it's crowded as hell a lot of times out front, right? >> It's like this shouldn't be. >> I go there all the time. I find a pocket space. >> I've gone there and I haven't. So I I >> I I I I they're not used. They shouldn't be in. We you know, it's more pavement that that doesn't get used. It gets put into a calculation only for the sake of of the developer getting to put more square footage. And that's the only reason why it's there. >> Doesn't provide the town any benefit whatsoever that I can see. So to me, I I'm definitely we I I definitely feel like
058we need to do something about that situation and it should be in the bylaw so that there's no questions asked. Theoretically, those would be employee parking spaces, but I realize >> there's no way. Yeah, there's no way of us to monitor that monitor and and we've gotten >> we we've heard that statement with multiple people. We're going to have them do it and there isn't, you know, >> Yeah. Stop chop's going to go park up behind. Where do you guys park? Oh, don't we park out front? >> Nobody parks. >> Nobody. >> Yeah, >> they're useless spaces. We'd be better off without the without the pavement to meet the other requirements. So, >> these are good proposals. Need further discussion, obviously. >> Right. Just wanted to introduce them to us. That's something I've been working
059on. >> Oh, yes. >> No, I'm glad you brought it up, uh, Matt, because it's something we can discuss. Uh, >> absolutely. >> In years past, all of a sudden, we have a a public hearing and something that we and we got to do it because the town meeting is coming up and that's >> that's wrong. >> Right. >> So, early um that's all I have for by amendment. ideas. >> All right. So, for number eight, we've got a master plan implementation committee. >> Yeah. So, I've been here coming up on a year now and yeah, in August coming up. >> My goodness. >> And we should >> So, Matt, at the risk of embarrassing you, happy birthday. >> Oh, thanks. >> So, um yeah. Uh so, at some point I was going to have
060to do this, so I figured why not start now. Mhm. >> We need an implementation committee for our for our comprehensive plan or else it's just going to become a very expensive paper weight. >> Right. >> So this charge that I put together kind of lays out the charge of the committee. This would make it so that the members of the committee are appointed by the planning board, not appointed by any other authority and it's a subcommittee of the planning board. Now, we can work on the charge as we go, and I'd like to get this reviewed by town council at some point, but I'm looking tonight for at least the planning board for a motion to establish the comprehensive plan implementation committee so that I can get the ball rolling on this. >> I
061got a problem with the uh planning board appointing >> Okay. Uh the plank board can appoint the freestanding ones, but somebody who's a a member of a board like the select board, the parking uh the parks commission or anything that has to be done. That's that board or commission should be the one who appoints their member. >> Oh, they they'll they'll absolutely assign delegates. Believe me, we had a we have a problem and this is not against Joe, you or anybody else. >> When we had the appointment with the >> assignment >> for to your job >> that to select the town uh >> administrator >> picked a member of the planning board >> and I called him up and I complained about it. Not that Joe wasn't qualified, >> but it's our we're elected
062board. We're the ones that should be picking. >> If the water water department is a member of this board, they should be the one picking and the select. >> Okay. >> And that's that's the way that's what I feel. So I can add language to the chart to say that each of these committees can assign their own delegate and once they're once they come to their first meeting. >> I would I would assume that we because the only power that we have we we can say who's on it but to me it would be if we're going to have a member of the selectman it would be the select board is to select >> their member or delegate they might or designate it might be the town administrator >> if if the water department's on
063it the water. So I I it certainly shouldn't be a name from this board that we're selecting. It should be a >> a position somewhere in the town. So then that way when that changes also it becomes their their job to update and and and make it whoever the new member is. >> So the appointing authority for all things is the select board right now. So it's just in order to be part of the committee the members have to be appointed by a governing body. It's usually the this be us since it's a subcommittee of us. So any of these boards, the select board, concom or whoever, they'd assign a delegate. They'd come to the first they'd come see us at the planning board meeting and we decide to appoint them or not. >> Well,
064kind of affirm >> then I guess I guess the question becomes does this board have the power to do that? >> I mean, we can create however we want. Can we >> That's what this charge is supposed to do. >> Yeah. Can we actually get people to show up or does it need to be the board of selectments so that it has some teeth in it? That's that would be my only question. I I >> I have no problem with the formation of it. Yep. >> It's and and I understand where you're trying to go. I just want to make sure that after we do it, >> somebody actually going to say, "Yep, okay, I'm I need to appoint this person because that's that's part of what we need to do is a is a
065member of the town." >> Okay. >> Um >> so I can work on the charge language obviously. Obviously need some work there. you know, to that point in the charge language, does it need to be some sort of uh rules of regulations just as far as how many meetings if you miss so many meetings in a row, then you you need you need to go back to a board and get a new designate, right? You know, >> I know that it's not the it's going to be it's not very popular, but if you you know, if you start missing three or four meetings in a row, well, you're not being a productive member. So, let's let's move on and get somebody else that can be. So I I'm good with putting that type of language
066in there and let's you know if you're going to be a designate, you know, and appointed to it, let's own up and be here. >> Okay. Can add something about that too if that's you know the will of the board. So eventually assuming so in order to apply for certain grants and stuff, I need to have a implementation committee in place. So if we can get a consultant to help spear this spearhead this thing, all the better. But I need at least a committee formed. Doesn't have to all the have all the members assigned or anything, but we need at least a committee formed to apply for grants, >> some grants. So the draft charge is exactly that. It's exactly a draft and it definitely needs work. So just kind of started with something. I
067have I have no issue saying that we need to form a committee as to what that committee what that committee consists of right now and stuff. I guess I have until I know more I I guess I would have some issues but but I you know to form the committee to say that that we need to form the committee if that if you need a motion for that because that would help you then I have no problem saying that we should uh that we should form the committee. >> Okay. uh and that and that as we move forward we we will define >> um members and responsibilities as we move forward but that the committee should be formed. >> Okay. >> Is that a motion? >> Yes. >> I'll second. >> All right. All in
068favor? >> I unanimous. >> Thank you. >> Okay. What else we have? We got uh item nine. Uh any uh planning board rules and regulations? >> So I sent this over to council since town meeting ended, but he's still yet to review it. >> Okay. >> I did add some language to it since our last meeting. I added uh stuff about performance bonds, which wasn't on there at first. I also added the Mullen rule since we just adopted that. So there there'll be a fresh draft for us to view after town council looks at it. >> Okay, great. Thank you, Matt. >> Town engineer updates. I don't have anything at this time. >> Any questions about anything going on? >> No. No, it's all good. All right. Um, chairman updates. I don't have anything. Uh,
069any member updates on me? >> None. Okay. Our next meeting uh will be June 16th, 2026. What's the pleasure of the vote? >> Do we want to discuss July now? Seeing how >> Oh, yes. >> We only have one meeting and we can do July and August if we want. I guess >> I thought we should at least do July now. >> We usually meet once in July. >> Once in July, once in August. >> Okay. Um well around July 4th is going to be sacred. I mean we've got the um big celebration going on this year. >> I I'm off the week of the 20th through the 24th. If that helps. >> I'm off the week before that. >> 14th. >> Yes. >> Doesn't Yeah. So yeah, >> I mean 14th would seem correct
070anyways. >> Is there any conflicts with other boards and committees on the second and fourth Tuesdays? No, it was it was to be honest the way we were was because of uh >> actually Lions Club meetings with Babe and I as to uh why we ended up well planning was always the first and third but as we as we got in and tried to shift that became more difficult so we never looked in but there's no I'm not aware of any other boards having issues in the same I think most of them are in the same situation as us I don't think they meet as often during those two months anyways >> okay >> we don't have we we don't So Lions Club doesn't meet anyway. So we're available on those nights. >> Um >>
071so I'm sorry because I mean the first and third of Tuesdays of July are not um you know are are available but you we're saying we want to meet just once in July. Okay. >> Is the 14th? >> I'm saying the 14th would be the appropriate >> that works for me. >> Does that work works for me? I'd rather have the the uh town planner here. I won't be but that's okay. >> I'm sorry. I said I won't be here the 14th, but carry on. >> Where are you going to be? >> On a beach. >> You need a permission slip? >> Yes. >> Don't remember receiving. >> Looks like July 14th works. >> Okay. >> Do we want to uh >> remote into August? >> Absolutely. >> Remote in. >> I mean, that looks
072like either the 11th or the 18th. >> Happy birthday. Yeah. 11th is my birthday. >> Oh, really? >> I'm more than fine with the 18th if we want to go there. >> Unless you really want to meet on your birthday, babe. >> You want to have cake here? >> We'll be We'll meet at my house and we'll have >> All right. >> I'm going to be taking the summer off. I won't be around the 18th either. I'll be in South Carolina. >> College move in. Hey, happens. >> That's That's important. Absolutely. So, >> I thought you were saying about people that miss a couple of meetings. >> Oh, you think I mentioned it? >> Is August 4th too early? >> Yeah, fourth would be too early. >> Okay. >> Because that's I'm I'm only saying
073that because of the time it takes to get to the first meeting in September. >> Okay. >> From that point, >> the 11th if the 11th, there's no problem. >> September 1st is a Tuesday. >> Okay. Yep. Um, >> so >> I'm finding either the 11th or the 18th. I'm I Doesn't matter to me. >> Well, to accommodate Chris, we probably should go. >> Don't do that. >> So, don't do that. >> You can't make it on the 11th or it's big trouble there. >> That's what I mean. >> I'm like looking ahead going. So, >> there's nothing on the calendar right there. So, >> let's go with August 11th then. >> All right. Tenative 11th. All because of me. >> Cake for Babe. That's all. >> Babe's more important than me. I can tell
074you that. Right. Well, I'll say that publicly, too. >> Okay. Um, what's the pleasure of the board? >> I make a move motion that we adjourn. Second. All in favor? I I >> Thank you. And, um, we'll see you at the next meeting.