Planning Board (May 14th, 2026)

001Good evening everyone and welcome to the Ashland Planning Board meeting of Thursday, May 14th. A reminder to everyone that the meeting is being broadcast and recorded. Um I will call the meeting to order at 7:17. And first thing on our agenda is the chair and clerk's report. Think uh I believe we just received um one email from the last meeting. I think that came in right at the beginning, actually right before our last meeting, so we couldn't really address it. And um it actually um at least the email I'm recalling actually has something to do with the um with the James Road uh project. It was a resident in that neighborhood um kind of wanting to keep informed about the project and um um wanting to basically kind of wanting to know what's going on,

002you know, in the neighborhood. So it might be something that you can pass on um to these guys and see if there may be something they want to they want to address. Okay. Um All right. That's the only uh email, I believe, that was out there relative to Planning Board. So we will move on to uh public comment, general public comment. I don't think we have a huge amount of people online um and the room is quite empty, but if there is any public comment we'll take it now, but seeing none we will go on to the next on our agenda, um which is opening the general public meetings. The first one is um on our agenda is 37 James Road. It's an A&R that we uh started to look at last time. There were

003just um I believe there's kind of one question hanging out there, but if we want to put it up on the screen to refresh our memories. Um and that question was about um Well, who's who's going to speak on this? Is is George you? Do you just want to um kind of remind us of what you're doing on this A&R and then we can go from there. Just a brief reminder. Uh George Corners representing Mr. Wheeler on um 137 and uh 123 Pond Street. The um project combines two uh parcels of land in the bottom lower right is a 30,000 square foot parcel that he bought under prism and then the remaining of the land is about uh 14 acres shown um on James Road with a sort of an easement going through extending from

004James Road. Uh it's being combined to show five A&R lots. Three of them are right along on Pond Street and then there's an existing house in the back. Uh I think it's 37 James and then to the right of that, to the east of that, uh around that little square lot is the fifth lot or however they're numbered. And these are simply A&R lots in concept due to uh financing concern that will uh be beneficial to Mr. Wheeler's operation here as he acquires the property. The land in the back, there's a large parcel called parcel A, which is a non-building lot. It is designated as such, and therefore it is um not considered a building lot. So, we Dramatic. >> Should I do something? Are there all the laptops in the room muted and mics

005off? Hello. Looks like it's off. Okay, thank you. Um so, really this is um something that probably will never come to fruition as individual lots as we're working on a much larger project for the uh entirety of the 14 acres. Thank you. Um so, as we discussed last time and confirm if uh if I'm wrong here, that we had um noted that everything the dividing of the property into different parcels was all done according to regulations, that there was no um uh non-conforming lots um being created, and um and that there were there wasn't any issues with when with any of any of the lots. Right. That is correct. Um so, the the question we had last time, which was my question, is how were we dividing up someone else's property uh um without them

006being represented, and in in our packets at the end of the um kind of at the end of the bundle um with this project, um there's two things. One is a brief um uh authorization note um that the owner of the of the property um the trustee is giving permission um for Mr. Wheeler to um um at uh and his representatives to um make and file applications on our behalf to to any and all governmental and quasi-governmental entities for license permits and approvals relating to the premises. And following that is an email chain um uh on the back page of which uh Lisa um Lisa Mead, town attorney, is being informed of this process and says that she is fine with this documenta- fine with this documentation and to provide it uh to the board.

007So, which is what we had we had asked for. Um so, are there any remaining questions about this A&R that anyone like answered? No. All right. So, do you just need a motion from us? >> I'd seek a motion then. That we approve the A&R. So Yes. >> Okay. So, I move that we approve the A&R for 37 James Road. Now that we have the correct documentation. All right. I'll second that. And a roll call vote. Eva Mankita, I. Anastasia I. Scapicchio, I. Paul Mattusasian, I. And Trisha Kennealy, I. So, that's that. Um so, do we have documents to sign? Why don't we just take care of that right now. Um how many copies are there that we need to sign? There's three. Okay. We'll let you get it set up and we'll just take

008care of that now and we don't have to run around doing it at the end. So, these two Do you all of us sign? >> Thank you kindly. Oh, okay. Paul, do you mind dating it actually? Do you want to date or destroy? Those that are going to sign those as well. And deep end. Uh you can do either. You can write May 14th or you can do 5 14 26. Yeah, Paul. Oh, all right. Do it while they're here. Usually. Thank you, Paul. >> [laughter] >> Well, he's he's got probably the length one of the lengthiest signatures. >> [laughter] >> I'll take that, judge. Thank you so much. I appreciate it. Thank you. >> Thank you. All right, thank you. >> [laughter] >> We're learning. We're trying. Okay. Uh next on our agenda We

009do have a We do have a second A&R that we're going to do at the end of the meeting. We didn't know if we would have time to get to it, but I think now we will. So, um but um but next on our agenda are the public hearings. Um first one is um 240 to 260 Pleasant Street. This is the um MetroWest facilities, the um soccer fields, site plan review. So, when we left this, we were had taken um And Tony, who do we have here? Anyone from >> We don't actually Usually we have Wayne Belick, but we don't seem to have him. I see. >> so Luke must be He may be here present representing. Can we In case I let me ask him to unmute. >> [clears throat] >> Yeah, that's a

010verb. >> I had to ask him to unmute, so we'll see how how that works on his end. So, you ask him and then >> him, but then they have to take an action, so I can't do it manually for them. So, Luke, if you can hear us, you should been asked to unmute. We see that your hand is raised. >> [clears throat] >> Okay. So, while we keep an eye on that, but I think we can start to look at the document in the meantime. Um So, if anyone sees anything up there that I'm missing, please let me know. >> [cough and clears throat] >> So, Anne, if we can pull up the decision. I'm also just going to announce that I'm just going to keep uh if there's any other public comment, again,

011I am pretty lonely here tonight, so I'm not sure there will be, but I'm just if there is any public comment, they can people can raise their hands as well. >> [clears throat] >> Yes, the one I just handed out is the one with your changes. The one that's in the folder is the one that I emailed out yesterday. So, I'm going to start with the one that I emailed out yesterday, I think, because that's the one that everybody saw. Then we can go through your changes, Paul, because they were pretty they'll be pretty easy to recognize. Sorry, Mackie. Oh, I have to share it. Okay, so All right, so I have the two documents side by side here. Um All right, so we hadn't we hadn't yet gone through the criteria requirements. And this

012this is a just a site plan review, not a special permit. Site plan review, site alteration, not special permit? There's no special permit here. Okay. So we haven't gone through it before including the criteria, so we will just read through everything. Now the first thing I noticed here that under the project narrative the last paragraph of that needs to be changed. I think it's from the Y. Oh. See which one I mean? Yes, the membership building portion. Yes, yes. So that the wrong project description is there. So that will just get changed obviously um to what the proposal is cuz it's the rest um Yeah, I believe we have a little narrative somewhere that would fit into the you know that spot. Okay, so then um we go through the criteria for site plan review

013section 9.4.6. And so those are the things that are the same um uh points that are listed. I think it's 12, right? 12 points that are listed below um Jasmine went through and did an initial um pass through of these and then we can obviously tailor it to how we think it should should sound. Um So Paul, if you spot things um that you corrected as we just go down the list, just you know, let us know. And I can switch back and forth Paul to show on the screen when you're Oh, yes. Oh, no, okay. So, let's though go Why don't we go through in order so we'll get there. So, does anyone minimize use of wetlands, steep slopes, flood plains, and hilltops? Finding the planning board finds that the site requires minimal topographic

014changes and this criteria has been met. Good? Good. I'll I'll be like a town meeting just you have to say hold if you object. Minimize obstruction of scenic views. The planning board finds that though the site contains no long-distance views, there is a beauty in the forested landscape that the project respects and works to preserve the landscape as much as possible. Um, I think this is kind of the wording from the Y. I think I would maybe tone it down just a little bit. Um, maybe saying that the site contains no long-distance views, there is value in the I wouldn't call it a forested landscape. What would you call it? In the vegetated site? I just think it's a little much to call this call it forested, you know. Um, so I guess I would

015just suggest uh instead of Did you say maintained buffer? Um, long-distance views, there is instead of a beauty, I would just say there is value in the um, vegetated vegetated site. And that the project respects Oh, wait, what And then what were you going to say? The project >> that that was perfect. I just Okay, veg And And that the project maintains this vegetated buffer. Is that what you're going to say? Yes, at the end. Yeah. Yeah. Um, And that the project maintains its vegetated buffer. Yeah, I think so, but it probably um No. Oh, oops. I just put that in. Sorry. And then and then then we said vegetated twice, so it seems like we should take out You want to take it out here or Um No, I think that's I think keeping

016the vegetated buffer is good. I think taking out my first one and replacing it with um natural. Oh. Maybe. Um or there's value in the existing site maybe is better. Cuz it's not really natural either. Um There's value in the existing site and that the project and that the project maintains the it a vegetated buffer. Or the project Yeah. Um maintains um Yeah, that's fine. All right. Are all Are we going to go to that? Number three, preserve unique natural natural or historical features. The planning board finds that while there are no unique features on the site, the landscape um is proposed to stay in its natural state where possible. Again, I think it's just maintaining um It's really just that it maintains the buffer. I think this is one that Paul had made. Oh,

017that that palm made changes to this one? If I'm not mistaken. >> [clears throat] >> To say number three Oh, no, you're right. I'm sorry. I'm looking at number But there is no I I agree. Yeah. The planning board finds that there are no unique natural or historic features on the site. Yeah, it's basically a site I think that has been cleared and some trees have grown in there in some time. So, so let's greatly simplify that one. All right, so on to number four. Minimize tree, vegetation, and soil removal and grade changes. The planning board finds that although tree cutting must occur for the development of the site um I think we can cut out that next part as indicated. The planning board finds that although tree cutting must occur for the development of

018the site the project maintains the existing tree line around much of the site and proposed new landscaping. Are they proposing new trees? I don't think so. It was just like keeping the stuff that was kind of in between the fence and the road. And is was there new plantings? No, they didn't give us any landscape planting plan. So, it was just keeping >> what's existing vegetated. Like at the front and side. The site and new landscaping trees will be sustainable and beautify the site. So, it's a little I pulled this from the last decisions that we made. Yeah, this was on that that was what I Yeah. [clears throat] Don't think they proposed any though. Was Luke able to get back on? I'm sorry? Luke, was he able to get back on? I don't he's

019not on now. He's not in the waiting room either. Hm. Yes, this is one thing I'd want to check on. Um I can check on that now. >> Does anyone Does anyone have the plans for >> online. I'll pull them Yeah, just to see what we were given as far as um I don't remember what the landscape plan that we were given was. Um yeah, or if there was a any plantings at the road. I can't I can't remember. In theory, we would have it on our website, right? We do. It's um It just takes me a moment to pull it up. Maybe site plans revised? Yeah, so uh C202 looks like a planting. >> Yes, it looks like they require it in their narrative. It says the required landscape shade trees, parking lot light

020poles, and signage will be installed in exposed surfaces. Almost. So close. There we go. I don't Roman seed Retain existing vegetation. I think they're just marking it. I think it's marked up. It's hard to Those look like those look planted. So, I think they are adding I think they are adding trees. Trish, it's Don't Yeah, we're looking at the circular things on Yeah, I've got it right here. Um I think it was sheet 202. >> got it on here. I just can't get it to I won't let me switch between the >> screens for some reason. Yeah, so those It's funny cuz those look like hand-drawn on there. So, we want to make sure we have The narrative says that they are planting shade trees. Yeah, and and those look too kind of perfectly laid

021out um in the right spots to have been Yeah, that one says That one also has the tot lot still and I don't think they're >> Oh, so maybe it's maybe we're open to and planting notes at the bottom of that page. Thank you. Sorry, it's loading. Are we looking to see if that's like the newest? >> Yeah, it's just Sorry, my computer is so slow. Some This looks like everybody's is. Maybe it's the system right now. Um Trying to see what the the latest date the latest revision date maybe of 4 3 26. Cuz I don't know if that's >> Yeah, that's the one that's trying to open now. If we can get there. >> Okay, well let's just put a a mark on that that we want to understand what There are still

022trees on here. And can you scroll down a little bit so we can see the top? Okay, so recreation >> schedule as well. Yeah. So there's yeah, so um Yeah, so proposed new landscaping and trees will be sustainable and beautify the site. So I'm okay with that. >> [clears throat] >> Everyone's okay with that general statement. >> the calipers when cuz this one says two to two and a half calipers. Is that typical? Do we have two inch calipers? I remember we talked um Once upon a time about this calipers business. I don't remember if we defined it at all. I know it went back and forth We We talked when we talked uh unrelated but when we talked to Becca about it in terms of planting trees um we talked about how it's actually

023she talked about how it's actually better to plant a small tree. >> caliper. Yeah. Yeah, because they adapt better to a new environment than trying to she used the about then planting a teenager, right? >> [laughter] >> Um but but she was a good analogy for those of us not in that field. So there are seven trees. Yeah. >> Total. Yeah, so around providing shade. >> So this is how that reads now is that Do you want me to read it? The planning board finds that although tree cutting must occur for the development of the site, the project maintains the existing tree line around much of the site and proposed new landscaping and trees will be sustainable and beautify. Can you just say will? And I I would just say and maintains the existing tree

024line around much of the site and proposes new landscaping and trees. And leave it there. Yeah, and leave it there. That's the Yeah. More or less is more, right? Okay, thank you. Maximize open space retention. Number five, the planning board finds that the use creates open space, which will be a benefit to the community. Um Maybe I would Maybe I would instead of say creates, I might say um maintain It's a It's open space now. >> It's more like neutral for the community, right? Yeah, because it's private property, so you can't just go on there. So, this one was kind of like like they're they're making open space, but you can't just go out there and play with your kids whenever you feel like it, you Is that I don't think so. >> No, you

025can't. It's private property, so that's Like they are creating open space, but not in the sense that we use the word open space. Do you know what I mean? Yeah, so maybe just can we put it as it's neutral to open space or Um Like you said a benefit to the community, it won't be a It won't hurt the community in any way. Cuz it's not like you could go run through their woods beforehand. >> Yeah, exactly. You know what I mean? Yeah, so it won't have any adverse impacts on open space? Um But yet they're not But yet they're not putting like a a structure, you know, there. So, um I know, because it's like it is open space. It's just not open to the public. Yeah. Really. Does every criteria have to apply

026for the project? could we just say You can. Absolutely. >> Because yeah, it's open space, but you're replacing it with artificial turf, so kind of like it's that natural vegetation you are disturbing. So, if it's not could we just say it's not applicable and not have to check the box for every I think it is applicable though, because I think it's it it's a To me, it's about that Yes, it's a turf field, but it's a place to run around versus putting um you know, a a a storage facility there, right? That's a I think that's a a difference, you know? Um So, Yes, so dedicated non-buildable, non-building space. Um I guess it says maximize open space retention, How about the planning board finds that the use maintains um private open space? Yeah. I mean,

027it's what probably adds to private open space. >> Mhm. It just isn't open for all of us. So, I mean, I think that sounds really neutral, which is what we want to say here, right? It's not a detriment to the town. Okay. Right? So, the planning board finds that the use maintains open space um and is suitable. How about that and is suitable for the community? It's not a benefit, but suitable. Is that neutral? All right. Um Is there a I don't remember. Is there a fence all the way around the site? I mean, there's There's like a net. It's It's a net. Yeah, so I guess you can't really go just go through that. But, I didn't get the sense that it was a locked gate or anything. >> No, you can just walk

028through the parking lot. Um Um okay. Um screen Oh, sorry. No, we're on number six. Screen objectionable features from neighboring properties and roadways. So, um The project I don't think there's um obviously that there's no There's not a lot there to see. Right. Um I think that the big question that came up was the net and how visible is that, but um whether that's objectionable to anyone is a you know, um I didn't really mind it myself, but I don't know what other people's opinions are. Yeah, I think the net will be better to see than balls bouncing into the street. Yeah, like I said, I didn't see it as being a terrible thing to see a net. They're usually black, so you can't see them very well. It's a black chain link. Yeah. Yeah.

029Um This one also talks about the lighting and what they They said they may potentially put them >> wired for They're wired for lighting, but not Yes, but they are not. Which is why I said that they would have to be screened from neighboring properties, but that's up to the board, but that would just be my recommendation because they can put on canisters that keeps the light directly to the site. Mhm. Mhm. And I thought I thought they talked about the possibilities of the lighting was just that, right? Like cuz the set closest to the street or would obviously be facing away from the street. >> Right. And then the other ones would be whatever a soccer field away is and facing down. I think we might want to put the thing about the lighting

030into a condition that if lighting is used, then it will the light spread will stay on the site. Um but as far as screening objectionable features, I don't really think maybe there are any. I mean Is Is there a Is there a dumpster? No. There's no No dumpster. They have like an on-site trash receptacle, but they don't need a dumpster. It's not that. So it's more just like a garbage can kind of size. >> It is. Yeah, just like one of the hand ones. Um Um Yeah, I guess it's just that uh It that there are no objectionable objectionable features that need that require screening? I mean, not that I know of. I mean, I guess we can leave it in there that the board finds that any objectionable features will be properly screened. You

031know, in case there's something that didn't get highlighted in our discussion. All right, seven consideration shall be given to the impacts on the project and town services and infrastructure. Um We should start it with the board finds or the planning board finds. Um I'm fine with the planning board finds impacts to town services and infrastructure will be minimal. Does anyone have anything they'd rather put? Okay. Um number eight is about everything being underground. Um I They have the the lights the conduits for lights will be underground. Be underground. So, the plan planning board finds in favor of the above statement that basically everything is underground. Number nine, exposed storage areas, machinery, blah blah blah. Everything should be um Can we take the same wording from number six that the board finds any objectional objectionable features

032shall be properly screened. Yeah, cuz I I really this is one of those kind of repetitive ones. Um And please anyone just jump in if I'm if you want to talk more about one of these. Number 10, when applicable site plan shall show measures to reduce and abate noise generated from the site that will impact surrounding properties. The train is causing noise and is not being abated. Um finding the planning board finds that the proposed program shall not be detrimental to surrounding properties in terms of noise noise generation. Sound of kids, who doesn't like that? Um number 11, the site plan shall comply with all zoning requirements for parking, loading, signage dimensions and environmental performance standards and all other provisions of this bylaw. Now here um I think there are some things that we need

033to wave. Um I think there were a few things from GCG. Um One of um was wasn't there something about loading in in this one? What That was for the YMCA, right? Was it? >> don't There's no loading for this. Oh, oh, oh. >> Is there? Number 15 GCG, the proposed use shall not require loading area board approval required. So, That was GCG uh April 3rd. So, yeah, I have it I have it starred just um So, um I think we put in the YMCA something like uh the planning board finds that loading area is not required. We We have that in the YMCA. We could We could be able to grab it that text. This is the text from the YMCA. But, was there more? I will double-check it, but I I really pulled

034them from one from the other. I know we I know we had it as a condition or something because they talked about that loading area in front of the the kind of that over by the kids area, right? And we had put a a waiver in for that. It might have been under special permit that we put the waiver in, so maybe you didn't see it. >> Oh. I don't remember where [clears throat] we put it. So, other thing I have, let's see. From this resolved resolved um And then there's about the sign. Um This is from GCG. The applicant has requested the planning board include a condition in its decision that prior to applying for a sign installation permit the applicant seek a determination from the building commissioner as to whether the sign location

035shown on the plan is located in the front or side yard setback. Um I do have the decision from the Y, but it does it is speaking specifically about the waiver for the loading dock. It's a building. I mean, they don't It's This is a field. There's no Well, there's I think a loading Yeah, I mean, I don't think the um >> It It just says the board it's going to pull up the board waves the requirement for a loading dock as it is unneeded by this use and approves the use of shared areas for loading. So, do you want to just say waves the requirement for a loading dock as it is unneeded by this for this use? Yeah. Yeah, I would I would copy the whole thing cuz it also says the 5.2.4.

036You can grab that signage one while you're there, too, cuz we'll need those, too. But this This says this approves the use of the shared Oh, yeah, we'll cut that out. But >> But you might want to grab like the signage one, too. Is it a loading dock or loading area? In our case, it's a loading area. >> Yeah. So, we probably should not Did we say loading dock for the other We did say dock in Well, in their case, they had buildings and so But it is not a dock, but that's a different project. >> Yeah, true. Yeah, we should have it as area. Mhm. Sorry, can you just ignore my comments? Or it's in here. Okay, I can So, in this next one, the applicant has requested planning So, this is GCG talking.

037The applicant has requested that the planning board include a condition in its decision that prior to applying for a sign installation permit the applicant seek a determination from the building commissioner as to whether the sign location shown on the plan is located in the front or side yard setback. I I think this is something that we can just make a determine that we can Like I don't think we have to leave this to Doug. I I think that and we can take another look we can bring up the thing and look at where the sign is. Again, I thought it was in a good spot. I think it just from GC cheese CC GCG's perspective um they can kind of read it in two different ways, but I think the sign was between this property

038and the Connect Church that owns it it's property. So it's okay with me if it goes in I don't really care if it's a side setback or a front setback. I think it's okay it was in a good spot I thought. Is that not because signage is not allowed in any of the set in the front or side? How does it matter? Cuz I don't remember like other projects commercial projects that we've done. Can you Signage will always be in a setback section of the Can I know you're able to bring up 3. 5.3.14 so we can see what that says. On the on the bylaw? Yes, 5.3.14 unless >> Are you doing that? Okay. Looks okay. Sorry, I made you go out of it. There we go. So what is it in here that

039um Yeah, it says that needs to get a sign permit. So, what's our question if they just if they have to get the sign permit or not? The print says the proposed sign is at the 10 ft is at the 10 ft side yard setback where 30 ft is required. Oh, okay. So, um maybe what they're saying is that we can look at the location of the sign. I can kind of picture it. I think what GCG is saying Yeah, so the proposed standalone sign Oh, and it's giving another section, section 5.3.8. If we scroll up a bit, might help us. 5.3.8, the proposed standalone sign should not be placed within the required 30 ft side yard setback as shown. Not be replaced with a side or a rear set or rear setback. Um the

040proposed sign is at the 10 ft side yard setback where 30 ft is required. I think that they were saying it's not in the side setback, it's in the front setback, and we're allowed to be in the front setback. So, the fact that it's way over on the side of the site versus maybe a dead center in the front, I think was bothering GCG because maybe technically maybe technically these are two different owners like with two different a trust or something. It's It was more just the setbacks between This is the front and the side yard setback. That's really what it was. It was a discrepancy if the sign was in the front yard setback or the side yard setback. Let's see if I can pull it up on the plan. Yeah, I think it's

041going to be in the front yard and probably just going to match their current sign that they have for the church, right? Like it's going to look like that. It'll be kind of on the corner of the property. Yeah, I think it Yeah, I think it was a matter of if if they were if these were two different property owners, you could say, "Hey, that that sign is right by my property. It's too close to the side setback." But given that it's the same It's two pieces of property, but it's the same owner. It's like, well, I guess technically that's true. It's still in the side setback, but it's the same owner. So, um And if I think if we force it to be in the center, that'd be right in where the screen is

042for the soccer field. Yeah, I mean, I thought it was in the Yeah, I'll share it, but So, I mean, the only problem is like what if that's sold? I think this is meant to be I'm not seeing it on It's meant to exist for for a reason as a bylaw or as a But isn't that then a um discussion between the buyer and the seller about the sign? Yeah, isn't it going where that little corner swoop is, right, for the parking lot? Like in the left? I thought that's where they showed it on a different map. >> but now it's not on any of these current plans. Maybe the original one? Maybe they took it off because it we need they need to seek a sign's permit. All right. Why don't Why don't we

043go on and ask them about that when there's somebody to ask? So. And that can be a We can get everything done except that question. See that little Do Do we go back to the to page you just scrolled through? You see there's that little Yeah. Oh, yeah, it It look like a foundation or something for a sign. But this is the old plan. It wasn't on the new one that I just No, but I I thought that's what they were mentioning. >> what it was, too. But I don't want to put something in there that's not in our drawings. So, if that's what they were intending and so they took it out. Well, instead of making them come back, is there a way or wait for us, is there a way we can write

044it that conditional that if they propose a sign, they must Yeah, we can we I guess we can just put it as GCG has it. That wouldn't hurt anything, would Yeah. Um so, GCG has um It And it does say the applicant has requested that the planning board include a condition in its decision that So, here it would be prior to applying for a sign installation permit, the the applicant seek a determination from the building commissioner as to whether the sign location shown on the plan is located in the front or But if they're showing one in the plan, I guess you know If it's not on if it's not on our drawings anymore, there's nothing for us to That's what they have to do anyway. Right. So, does this Do you want this to

045read? I just have it kind of the same way that we had it as the Y under findings. I have loading and then the signage. Prior to applying for a sign installation Yeah, I think that's fine. Prior You know, so that we have something in there. Um This is just a find This is under findings still, so I have to make it a condition. >> Okay. Yeah. Okay. All right, let me just see if there's anything else in here. Resolved Resolved um Shisha, thank you. There is a dumpster here. Oh, there is? On the new one? It's a sitting in kind of halfway through the left-hand side on the parking side. There is a dumpster with a chain link fence. Which sheet are you on, Deeper? Um Can you look at the drawings behind you,

046Deeper, and help us out. It is sheet number one. Number one. I'm on 201. 101? There's a 101? Which one? Uh existing conditions go right It's the first drawing on the whole Very first drawing is the cover page, but uh Go to the No, no, no, no, no. The the other sheet. This is existing conditions. That's existing. No, this is existing conditions. But are they taking >> disappearing They're taking it off? So, let's go to the later drawings and see if it's still there. >> we 101 also shows Yeah, but that's existing. >> existing conditions again. And it's not here. Uh it's kind of there faintly, but I think they're just showing It is showing on the drawing on C201 as well, by You see it there, that faint line? Mhm. Like but it's hard

047to say whether it's uh if they're just showing the >> existing curve pavement in landscaping. So, [clears throat] they're going to screen it with this landscaping. And it's not technically a part of this site and they're not proposing >> Can you Can you move forward to some of the other drawings that are more detailed? Like Okay, so what's that? Potential future light fixture. It's hard to tell because that underlying drawing is showing all the existing conditions. You can see the old driveway. And so, it's hard to tell if it's there or not. >> And C202 has the signage. Which This drawing that you are on. Oh, yeah, I saw something there. >> Right on the top. There you go. That one. >> oh. Yeah, so it's hard to To me, it looks like It's hard

048to say if that dumpster is is or that fenced-in area is staying or going. I think it's staying. It's existing staying and they're screening it here with this landscape buffer. And we did say that anything on this site had to be screened, so it's Yeah. It is covered. Under your >> Yeah, so we'll we'll make sure we have that in there, but um Yeah, we might even put such as The >> trash receptacle area. Yeah, existing trash receptacle area. Do we add that? Yeah. Okay, and then I'm looking at the next thing for JCG that says JCG recommends adding the planning board or its representative to be included in the review of the vegetative screening prior to the vegetative augmentation as part of the approval conditions. So, yes, we can add that. But, I assume

049that will be >> I'm so sorry. Oh, um I was going through JCG's things, but I guess that's a condition I guess that's not in part not of the part of the findings. Oh, okay. Do we want to pull that language though? Um yeah, so it would be in number 20. Is it a condition? All right, so anyway, we were at findings and because we were there because it's talking about conditions for parking, loading, signage, and we needed to give two waivers, one for the loading and then I guess it the signage actually isn't a waiver. Is it? So, No. So, it's a condition later. So, um um So, the planning board finds that the submitted plans of record and supporting application material comply with all relevant zoning requirements. Well, maybe not. Um for parking,

050loading, signage, dimensions, and environmental friend. So, maybe it does have to stay there. Something about the signage. But then it needs to go through the the signage permit. Well, I have it in here as Oh, why isn't it Sorry. Right, it says here loading and then signage. We're still in We're loading We just added mics. exact language >> Yeah. I mean, I don't have a [clears throat] problem with the sign where it is, but does it I mean I think it's in the right place. I think it's just saying the 30-ft thing cuz it is on the left side of the property, right? And it's within the 10-ft range. Um but are they showing it Is it far enough back from the street? Like do we know that? No, it's 3 ft from the street.

051Um but there's also a maple tree right next to it. >> Yeah, there is. Which sounds like it may not be a large tree because this sign is also not a huge one. It says it's only 3 by 5 ft sign. Um it's 3 ft from the front and 10 ft from property line. And it's towards the property, not parallel to the street. Well, let's let's put it in as we have for now. Let's get all this language and then I mean, there's not even anyone here today so that we'll we'll give this draft to them, but we'll also check on it with Doug and see what what the issue would be if any from his point of view. And then maybe we can resolve this so that they don't have to go for that

052part of it, right? We can Yeah. >> get Doug off the hook for In addition to that main sign, there's going to be an overflow parking sign and soccer field parking sign all in that same I don't know if I thought the overflow parking though is going away. No, it's at least this drawing still shows that. So, is it just like a a little street sign like a little Yeah, but I it's only it's directional. It's just >> Okay. Like with that one of those ones with an arrow like telling you where to go. >> on the inside of it. This is the sign. Um but it's it's just funny that That it's all in one space. >> and a tree section. Okay. So, um and did you did you note that condition? Did you

053grab that one too? This is the one about the And I'm adding that to Rich. I I think we're going to have it as a condition. Oh, okay. I see. >> Like a regular condition. Okay. So, and then so otherwise we're on number 12, which is the last one. Yeah, a site plan should be consistent with the objectives of the comprehensive plan. Planning board finds that the project is consistent with Ashlands new comprehensive plan, which includes core themes of building and enhancing community and guiding development that honors open space and conservation. All right, there's a statement there about the site alteration special permit. Um Planning board has reviewed the purpose of the site alteration special permit. Planning board recognizes the applicant's commitment to preserving the site's natural beauty. Okay, that will probably have to change.

054Preserving natural topography? I think we just can we can just take those. >> something You're great at that. You know, just saying we don't need that, right? Take it out. The other project I could think of it, but this I I agree. I think this could just be um The planning board finds this purpose. The planning board finds this the purpose has been fulfilled. Yeah. Yeah, well, they had to move some dirt around to build the soccer field, you know, so um Okay. So, then that just brings us to the conditions where we've already said we'll have a condition um The loading is just a waiver. That doesn't need a condition. There'll be a condition for the sign. The signage. And a condition for um the planning board representative who I assume will be the

055tree warden. I think so. I'm just waiting for this to load. It takes so long. to review the vegetative screening as I think as far as like what to take down and what to keep. And then um And then I think we should also have a condition about the turf field material. Because we talked about that a lot. They gave us different things. They said it was going to be um you know, this smart turf uh is supposed to not have any um PF PFS FS what do you know? Yeah, in the in the smart turf. um And then um And then the uh the fill. >> [clears throat] >> Excuse me. The um The fill would be a um um a hybrid system that um would be 30% to 50% You know, it's uh

056it's in our meeting minutes from Let's see here. Oh, and then we would need one for the lights. Oh, yes. So, from the um April 9th meeting minutes they plan to use a hybrid type fill which decreases the use of SBR rubber by 30% to 50%. Reduces the which [clears throat] rubber? The SBF? Yeah, SBR. Styrene something rubber. I have 250%? Or 50%? By 30% to 50%. So So, then what? Um the hybrid infill for this data sheet is SBR crumb rubber blended with cork, coconut fiber, organic material. That's what >> that's that's just that particular vendor they were showing you. They haven't actually picked the vendor. Correct. So, what I'm saying is is that SBR 30% to 50% should we take that with assuming That's like an industry standard and not specific to that

057manufacturer. Yeah. So, what are you saying um we should replace it with something from the sheet? >> keep it at hybrid? Yeah, cuz you wouldn't want to like let's say it's 55% like do we really want them to like not be able to do it cuz it's a higher percentage or And how do we track it? >> Yeah. Or you could say a hybrid system a hybrid infill that reduces SBR and maybe not give the percentage. I think we could say >> least by 30%. >> By at least 30%. You know, so there's something that they're not choosing though. You know. Yeah. The one that has a 10% replacement you know, or whatever. So, at least with it's at least with it's within the range of what they Okay, so it says the artificial turf

058shall be free of PFAS and the infill shall be a hybrid system that reduces the SBR rubber by a minimum of 30%. Yeah. And they can comment on that cuz it'll go to them first, right? Or into Do we have to say it reduces the SBR rubber? Or just say SBR. >> Compared to something? Like this is saying it's reducing it, but I'm assuming it's reducing it against whatever the old one was, but like Yeah, but what is the industry standard? >> not giving them a Yeah. Yeah, the infill spec on the other hand says it's 30 to 40% SBR crumb rubber. So, this is On the first page it says 30 to 50% rubber reduction. The second page on the spec section it says it has 30 to 40%. Um so, I don't know

059if without knowing the specifications if you should get into that level of So, do you want to just leave it at hybrid? Yeah. I wonder if we should just define the hybrid and leave it at that. Well, no. I mean I think we could I think we could put a maximum of 40% crumb rubber. >> [snorts] >> So an infill shall be a hybrid system with a maximum of 40% crumb rubber. Yeah, at a maximum 40% of It says SBR crumb rubber on here. Um and then >> I feel like we're just getting into no idea about what any of these things really mean and we're just kind of taking it off of the one tech sheet. >> We We are a little bit, but you know, this I mean this decision in between now

060and our next meeting cuz we still have a few We still have a few things we have to ask, right? Goes back to the It can go back to the applicant as well for them to read through and for their attorney to read through and if that's something that they say, "Hey, This is too restrictive based >> Yeah, there's no way we can do this or like, "Oh, yeah, they all do that. That's no problem." So we let them kind of Yeah, I just want to I just don't want this to be like the you know, by the time they actually go to build it and then like Yeah, and I just don't and I just don't want them to be like have the most minimal hybrid that they can after all of our discussion

061about going more in the right direction. So I think we put this in and then we let them tell us if if if this is too restrictive based on what we've been talking about. >> Is it possible when we send them this to ask them to make sure they pay attention to this one line? Yeah, you can give them a note to say pay attention to the to the conditions, which I think they should the special conditions versus the hey, these are the hours you can work and you know, that kind of thing. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah. The ones there. >> actually is used to improve elasticity and performance and durability in harsh weather. Mhm. So, not knowing the right level maybe a may not be a good thing to guess. Cuz if it's not

062going to perform as required, then it just beats the purpose of that SBR, I guess. That's what it sounds like. Yeah, I'm I'm okay I'm okay with that changing if they if they have a case for it, but like that the hybrid system is the middle system. It's not the best system, you know. So, we just don't want it to go away to the Madam Chair, Luke came back in. His hand is raised again. Oh, great. >> to give him the opportunity? I'll ask him to unmute. Yeah, if he is there, um we can meet this mystery person. Luke, if you're available to speak, you may, please. Please identify yourself, name, and address for the record as well. I don't know that they can. They don't even have a speaker on there. They have a

063speaker icon on there. On Zoom, everybody has a speaker and a camera icon, and they only have a camera icon. Oh, so it's not looking like >> think they can speak at all. No. There's nothing on it. Sorry, I asked if he was on camera waving his arms. My mic was off. >> [laughter] [snorts] >> I don't want that to be missed. >> It's a funny question. >> Well, the lip the lip reading like they did. So, So, basically, we're looking at conditions for the turf field, the lights, which may happen so that they don't have to come back, and the signage. So, we might have to massage those a little bit to get them right, but those are the at Are there any other conditions that anyone um Let me just see. So, the

064conditions that's here you're saying are the ones cuz there's also about dumpsters And it specifically says no chain link and that particular drawing shows that dumpster is screened by chain link. I wonder if they're planning on moving that from that location cuz that's where it is now. I don't know what but >> But it could also be it's more on the other side but it's Yeah, we just don't know really. So we need information so that'll be something we need information on so we know how to address it for the next >> are finding that in our condition saying that no chain link but proper screened materials if that is what we are putting a condition to. Again, I think it's height requirement as well. Yeah, so we need to know is that still there?

065Is it staying? Is it not staying? If it was unclear in the drawings so we know how to address it. Okay. And then on GCG um Applicant has requested the board to determine the proposed light fixtures. Oh, the applicant has requested the hours of application hours of operation to be set by the decision. They're setting the decision I which is a little strange, right? Cuz we weren't allowed to do that before. >> [laughter] >> Yeah, I don't think we're allowed to do that. It has to go through the select board. Hours of operation. Yeah, well we got in trouble when we tried to do that before. Yeah. To set hours. Um >> [laughter] >> Nope. Not going to set you hours. You can't make me. You can't make me. >> [laughter] >> Um Yes, that

066was kind of that was kind of weird. >> Sometimes. They were very agreeable to hours, but I didn't think that was our thing. >> [laughter] >> It's all part of the board's history. Look up Starbucks and you'll, you know, Um Okay, and the only other thing in here that I see is um Something said a signed a signed illicit discharge statement of for the site should be provided. The applicant has requested that the signed illicit discharge discharge statement be a part of the approval conditions. I don't even know what that means, but it's right there in GCG. >> me to check to see if that's part of the con com conditions that were issued for your storm water management? Yeah, maybe make a note of it in the conditions. Um like again, grab that verbage.

067Um Because Mike also does their storm water review, so that note could have also been directed toward con com and that may be a condition that's in the storm water permit, so I can check that. Okay. So, I think with that we have a I mean a a really good Oh, well, I guess if was there any other um Did anyone have any other comments on the other all the general conditions? Um the ones that are basically a part of everything and Paul, where was your stuff picked up? Second and third pages were the bigger ones. Everything else was just little words here and there. So, that's good. Okay. >> [clears throat] >> Just a boisterous guy. All right. So, So, I think what will happen with this is that Yes, this is under storm

068water report. So, this is under section separate section in this report that says storm water report where he starts numbering again at one. So, I'll this is most likely there. Okay, but you'll double check and make sure that it's not there. The only other thing I would change is that under number F here it says 70% of all landscape plantings, I'd just put in at least, you know, >> That's what it calls change. Oh, right. Okay, great. That's uh It's hard to be pretty specific about that. Okay. So, we'll consider that a really good draft with everything, the conditions and stuff we want in and the language the way we want it. So, we just want to get some feedback from the applicant on that and a few questions for a question for Amy, for

069Doug, a question for GCD. And we should have it kind of wrapped up. All right, cool. And So, on that note, I think we can continue it unless um is Luke is gone again. Gone again? Hm. All right. I'm wondering if he's here for the A&R. Oh. But he can't speak, so I don't know. That might be Okay. Um Yeah, I don't know. Okay. Um All right. So, we will look to continue this until until when? >> 28th? May 28th? Is that our next one? We don't I thought we had one the next one is in June. Oh, no, cuz this is our first meeting in May, isn't it? Yeah. So, yeah. Is everybody available? We're just so deep into the month that I thought it must be, yeah. It's our first meeting. It's not

070a special site plan special permit though. So, we'll need four of us there. For this one. For to for to vote. Vote and signature, yeah. But, um So, you have four of you. We should have four. Because the site plan special permit will need four. Though, the So, I'll make a motion to move 260 240 260 Pleasant Street site plan review to May 20th. Is there a second? Second. And roll call vote. Eva Wangate I. Scott Peltier I. Al Montesano I. >> I am Trisha Canaday I. So, we will move that. Should be almost done. And then the next thing on our agenda is just um oh, it's a oh, sorry. So, we have 55 Tilton Avenue, which is continuing. Do we need to do a motion to continue? To May No, we don't. June

07111th, I'm sorry. So, I'll make a motion to continue 55 Tilton. Do we need to discuss the continuance or we They have a lot of changes they have to make for ConCom based off ConCom. >> No, I can see that. Uh so, I assume we don't need to open the record and discuss it. We can just start. Okay. So, I'll make a motion to continue 55 Tilton Ave special permit and site plan review to June 11th per their email of May 12th. Second. And roll call vote. Eva Wangate I. Anna Test Minutski I. And I just took care of that since Oh, yeah. No, that's fine. formality. I wasn't trying to be rude. No, I was just uh I'm like, it's Tilton. I should talk and get back down for you. >> out. So I

072feel like every time we talk about Tilton, we continue. It's got to be Tilton or I I'm at the casino eye. All right, and there's your there's four. Okay. Excellent. All right, and >> On top of it, you guys. >> [clears throat] >> We're getting so good at continuing. >> Next Next on our agenda we have Oh, uh Yeah, actually I see um Kristen Grant. We're so good at continuing Tilton. Yeah. Okay. So there's someone here? >> [clears throat] >> Yes. We have uh another N A um A N R. This is um like I said, kind of last on our agenda. Um because technically we wouldn't have had to discuss it till next time. But given how often we have people can you know, things that continue, I said, you know, let's put it

073on at the end. If they're if if the applicant's okay [clears throat] with that, and if we get to it at a decent hour, we'll we'll do it. So here we are. And it is A decent hour. >> It is a decent hour. It is only 8:30. So um So welcome Kristen. Kristen, I saw you Yes. >> briefly. Now your Now your image is taken up with a a map of the site. Perfect. >> Um >> [clears throat] >> So could you just um explain explain what is happening um between 40 and 42 Wedgewood Drive and what the A N R is asking for. Sure. So I'm here tonight seeking an A N R endorsement for a boundary line adjustment between 42 Wedgewood Drive. That's lot 6A, that is my residence. And our neighbor at

07440 Wedgewood Drive, which is lot 5A. The purpose of this plan um is a simple parcel swap to better align our property lines with our planned residential use. Um we have received a stamped plan by an engineer and it shows that the land swap is of equal area, which is 761 square feet, which is uh shown parcel A and that's a swap for parcel B. Most importantly, um, there are no new lots being created and lot 6A and lot 5A also maintain their legal frontage on Wood Amour Drive as required by zoning requirements and because this plan is not It does not constitute a subdivision under the subdivision control law. Um, I'm requesting the board's endorsement that approval is not required. Can I just ask, um, the drawing is a little confusing. Are we, um,

075Is the original line the straight line that goes through >> Okay, and then >> the original line is the straight line. Um, so as you can see, it uh, I'll I'll just kind of use left and right without knowing the directions, but, um, it basically shifts to the right-hand side. As you can see, um, along the line of parcel A. Um, exactly. And then it goes back in towards the natural line, follows the the original line, if you will, for a very short period and then, um, yeah, shifts back out towards the right. Essentially, so that the square footage remains the same, so it's a simple parcel swap. Okay. And I assume that's because, um, the angle of house 42 with the lot line is going to make it difficult to do things because that

076>> Exactly. Yes. Uh, most spe- specifically, um we are looking to um install a pool, which this would um create the necessary setbacks. The other thing is that if you and I have images, I'm happy to show you of the yard, but essentially right now the um original parcel line sort of cuts into sort of like the grassy area. I think the the new boundary line essentially aligns better with sort of the the natural slope of the land and where sort of the the actual use of both residences are, if that makes sense. Um So, we've received endorsement from our neighbors at 40 Wood and More Drive. That is um attached in the application that I provided. And it's my understanding that as long as the um the >> [clears throat] >> the plan here

077meets the requirements, which it does under the um [snorts] the subdivision control law and maintains the necessary frontage that the board um can endorse this. Yes, so the only um So, that's true to your analysis that the lots are good. >> Yes, they meet They both meet the same And required frontage and size requirements. And the right paperwork is Oh, yeah, I see the consent in here. My My only My only question with this is that in submitting it as a document of record, that it's really confusing to know where the original line is, which one's original and which one's cuz they're done in exactly the same line the way the same way you know, to to like to Like if you're going to record this. Um it's a little bit it's I mean, I'm

078not sure what the standard is, but it's drawn a little strangely that I can't that I and I'm used to obviously very used to reading architectural drawings. But um This is a little hard to like how where does it mark down there original line like or new line or Um So it's a little It's just a little strange. Um So We do have I mean we do have which I can submit the original Um parcel. Right? Without this drawing. Um I mean I Yeah. I mean I know Cornerstone is the engineer um you know, it's very they do a lot of work in this area. So Um I would have assumed that they drew this in accordance with what could be recorded. Um but I I could go back. I prefer not to cuz trust

079me that'll cost lots of money. But um This is acceptable. >> I don't know that unless unless you would require it for this to be endorsed. No, I I think she was just more saying it was just kind of the way they wrote it just wasn't super easy to to read. >> Yeah, to understand where the original And then when we document it officially it'll Will it show the old line or will it just show the new line, right? >> this No, it's this plan that gets recorded. This exact line but their legal description also gets updated. Oh yeah, so Where's the What's the legal description? Is We don't receive those. We don't It's not part of the application. But it's usually in your deed where it says your line goes from this degree northeast

0807 73° 43 you know, 23 east by 251 ft until it goes south this many degrees. So their legal description will be updated after this. Okay. Yeah, I mean I'm not sure if the the IR set and the drill hole set make a difference, but that's essentially indicating the start of the original line and then the end of the original line. two Yeah, yeah, that that's the new >> I can I I have annotated another copy of this which again I I'm prepared to share just to show, but I I get that it is a little confusing if you're not familiar with the with the lot itself. Yeah, is this is it more about um that this is something that becomes basically a part of the permanent record and you want to make sure it's

081set in a way that's understandable for you know, everyone down the line without explanation would be the would be the point. Um but um I mean to me parcel A and parcel B are clearly marked, so I to me this plan is extremely clear. As a planner [clears throat] I've seen hundreds of plans that look exactly like this. I understand architectural plans tend to be different, but this is not uncommon at all for Yeah, yeah, but then that's fine. That's why I'm like um I So if it's um And like you said Cornerstone does these all the time, so if this is um if this is par for the course and this is typical >> Yeah, like he's the way he's marked it really essentially is that this is parcel A and they are transferring

082it here for parcel B. So he's made two parcels for you. So that's why he didn't create a dotted line. He's created two parcels and they're swapping parcel A for parcel B. Um would Exactly. >> Would noting this on our meeting minutes because I wish she could have said >> I caught it was the dimension line from the end of the building to the side line and it is both ways from both properties. That's what made me realize that that was the new line. I wonder if we should just document in our meeting minutes if we can't correct official documents and they are per the standards, but just for record, if you say that dimension line where it's annotated is on this plan dated whatever. Well, you'd have to make that very specific because Laura

083does our meeting minutes, so we can't give her something that she has to come up with on her own. No, it's the dimensions are right there on the plan. So, you want her to say on the meeting minutes that the original lot line is the line that is labeled IR set to DH set and is 142.94 in length in one section and 105 ft in length in the other section. Um that 54 ft 5 in dimension reference and then this 28 ft from lot the property on the 6A. It goes to that line which is the new property line. I don't I'm so sorry. >> is a horizontal dimension from the edge of the building yeah, to the new lot line. Yeah, the 54 and 1/2. >> So, that's the reference line. That's just the

084setback. Correct, but that's that's a new line that we are talking about which is It's in So, how do you want Laura to say that? This is very confusing I feel like for the meeting minutes to be written. So, what exactly do you want Laura to say in the minutes is what I'm trying to get at. I think it's something as simple as um you know, the board acknowledges that the the new lot line is the one um indicated by the two setback lines 54.5 ft and 26.0 ft. Okay. Perfect. Yeah, just something like that, right? >> I I think so, so that Cuz if you can't change the drawings, if you can't change any of these documents which are for record, just so that we clarify in some record. Easier to do it in

085meeting minutes than That would be my suggestion. Okay, so are we >> Can we Sounds like noting that the documentation for the meeting minutes or can we Do we have a motion to approve this? >> Approve it based on that description? Yeah, I I mean, not officially, but I just want to know where the rules stand. That's all. >> No, right. >> [laughter] >> Seems like we're ready. Go ahead. You can do it. >> Um I move to approve the A&R for 40 and 42 Whitmore Drive. Um specifying the meeting notes that you've been mentioned. I'll second it. And the roll call vote? Deepa Mankad, Anna Tassmanitski, I. Scott Polucci, I. Bill Mutascio, I. Andrea Candela, All right. So Kristen, this is all set. I'm sure George knows the process, but where they're going to

086sign this and tomorrow he can pick up the Mylar and then you'll record it at the registry. Great. Thank you so much. I appreciate it. Kristen, if I may, your handwriting is amazing on your application, by the way. >> [laughter] >> I would It was not mine. So. So kudos to whoever wrote that. >> It's an amazing handwriting. I'll I'll send the the engineer your feedback. Thanks. Thank you. All right, thank you all. >> Thank you. >> [cough and clears throat] >> Yeah. Yeah, we can do that. Okay. So. And I'm just curious about that. Like since it's not my profession, well, it's not my profession, it's tangential to my profession. Right. So, I just uh It's just he did it because he did it personal, that's why. That's why he created the It's like

087how do I know which parcel belongs to which one? Yeah, so you you see like how this already comes in, that's the B lot area. So, that's like it already makes sense, you know what I mean? And then this little chunk is over It's over there. Okay. >> [clears throat] >> Okay. So, Jasmine has noted that along the side Yeah, on number four. that along the side it talks about how um parcel A is intended to be combined with lot six to create 6A, parcel B is intended to be combined with lot five to create lot 5A. So. So, that So, that's a lot, yeah. Oh, maybe I'm wrong. Parcels A and B are not to be considered individual building lots. Hey, do they already have a pool? No, I don't think so. Is that

088an above ground? I think they're putting in an in ground or a bigger one. Yeah. Yeah, they put in a new permit for a new one. Okay. So, they're bigger or in ground? Well, that relieves that for me because I was like how do they tell? And so, it's in the written part. Okay. Learn live and learn. All So, where are we? I have lost my agenda. Okay. Um So, now we're just down to other uh planning board task list. Yeah, we haven't gotten to that in a while, but maybe we will. Comprehensive plan implementation committee. We are still waiting until after the election. Do you have any other news? >> Oh, I was under the impression it was going to be after town meeting. So, I did email Yolanda to kind of see the

089status of things. Oh, yeah. >> not know we were waiting until election. Um I mean, we should at least work to set a meeting with the boards with the planning board and select board to see where we are. In my opinion, I don't know if that would be helpful. >> No, I mean, the election is Tuesday. So. Oh, good point. Yeah. Either way, I've emailed Yolanda and hopefully we'll move forward. Yeah, I think they're so close together. I think so. So. Um design review committee, just for those who don't know, things passed at town meeting both in terms of the little uh um secondary suite um bylaw that we were working with with Doug. Um and also the design review committee. Um so, the reforming of that committee has gone through. All bylaws all always

090have to go through the attorney general and be approved, but there's no reason I don't see any reason that wouldn't be approved. And what one nice thing is that actually after the meeting um a mechanical engineer who works with architecture firms came down and gave me his card and said that he would be interested in doing something like that, like being on an ad hoc committee. So, um so, I think that's kind of cool and um we'll start to gather you know, I'll start to send out some emails and gather those names just to just, you know, seeking interest of people that would like to be on on that list. And we'll see we'll try to form as we go forward, we'll try to form some kind of a little structure around it about how

091that happens, obviously. Um and go forward with, you know, when the next when the next project comes that hopefully we're we're ready for it. So. Would we send out a call for folks who'd be interested to be on this roster? Yeah, I think we should um create Even if it's like a simple Facebook Create Yeah, yeah. Yeah, that can go out in the newsletter and stuff like that. Um a little text. And then also I'm intending to reach out to all the professionals I reached out to before who weren't interested in sitting on one of these boards. I think a lot of times due to the time commitment. But for these for these positions you always have you you always has a have an option in the in the moment of saying yes or no.

092Yes, I can do this one. No, I can't do the next one. Depending on what your schedule is like or your interest in the project. So, I think it's a very different it's a very different commitment than than what we had before. So, I'm I'm I know I'm optimistic. I'm hoping that that good things come out of that. Okay. Reports uh CPC? Anything new on that since Uh the only thing we had since our last planning meeting Actually I think I talked about it at the last one was you know, we we talked about finalizing the dollar amount for the parcel that we were trying to purchase. That went up to the town vote. It did not pass. Yeah. It did not pass. >> pass. All right. Um MetroWest Regional Collaborative, did that meet Um

093I think it's scheduled for mid May 28th. And I saw calendar schedule options for the historic reservation training program. I think some dates are floated out for end of Doodle was floated out for end of June. Okay. Cool. I have comprehensive plan on here just because I figured once we get going that'll be a regular topic so I didn't want to take it off. Um administrative matters anything on here for anything new that you want to report on Jasmine? We do Um we do have a request coming in from the YMCA just to request release their remaining 53G um bond amounts so that'll be on the next agenda. So we just sent that out to Mike Carter to make sure that everything was all set that he recommends the release of the bond his review

094is complete and it's approved so I don't have any reason why he would say no and then technically you have to take a formal vote to release the funds back to them. I think it's like $1,200 or something like that so. Okay. That's all I have new for this meeting. All right. Um and then no we had updates on these last time but nothing happened since then. Uh well the housing production plan has been submitted to the state and it it is under review. I did at least get confirmation that they're reviewing it but that's it. Okay. All right. >> [laughter] >> Fair enough. Um and nothing new on the 40Bs or the housing inventory. Okay. All right then we can go on to meeting minutes. We've already established our next meeting is May 28th.

095First meeting minutes we have our April 9th. Um are these the ones that we had the question about? >> Yes and what was the question? I have a note that says what was the question? Did we only uh discuss those two items and we did only discuss those two items when I went through checked it that was all that was on there. So it was the Palm Street and our and then the YM What do you mean the I think it was two items under the Y. Two items under the Y. Yeah cuz this was at the the final vote right where we just we're just confirming the last two little pieces and then we Oh yes exactly. Like why the like the YMCA so complicated? Why don't Why don't we have more? Well, we

096did the previous week and it was just making sure that that's all we had the previous meeting. So, um Diva wasn't sure. And I my memory is yep. Not good at anyway. I said let's just double check. Look at this one instance. That's it. I couldn't remember. I I remember that we questioned the meeting was when I couldn't even remember why. Yes, that's all it was. Just making sure that we had the right things. So, Okay. Um If that is confirmed, then we can approve them, right? I mean, do you have any questions? I don't think I Yeah, I didn't I didn't have any changes on that one actually. So, I motion to approve the April 9th minutes as recorded. Roll call vote. Diva I Anna I Scott I Paul I Trisha Kendall I. Now

097we're on to April 30th. Does anybody have the April 30th ones because I don't think I have them. I I printed them out. Thank you. Oh, so did you guys not have them? I don't have them for some reason. I think I just Oh, you don't have any? I just forgot to print Anna's because Melissa didn't do her folder That's okay. Uh okay. Okay. Because we thought she wasn't going to be here. Yeah, I was going to be remote, but I changed things around. The only thing I have Well, the first one thing I have maybe I'm good. Thanks. Um One thing I have is that under 55 Tilton and I wasn't even there. But, under 55 Tilton Yeah, that's fine. Um the third paragraph it says um Oh, no. I'm sorry that that was

098not so what I was looking at. No, sorry that that was uh was Huh, I don't know where it was. Maybe I was looking reading something else. There was something I just it was really hard to understand, but now I can't find uh where it was. So, maybe it was in a Don't know if else had a problem with it. It must not have been that hard. Then the only the only thing I do have on there then is I was wondering about on the revised fee schedule discussion on page five. Um I didn't see in there that um No, never mind. It's there. It said that you will include a footnote that a waiver to the fees may be requested. I'm just going crazy. So, never mind. >> You've been busy. We're good. All

099right. I'll make a motion to approve the April 30th minutes. Second. >> Yeah. And I'll call vote. And I'll cast my vote I. Skowpinski, [clears throat] I. Fuller, Messina, I. And Trisha Canaday, Okay. Never mind. So, um elections are Tuesday. Go vote if you haven't already. Um and Otherwise, technically this is my last meeting I guess. Yeah, go vote, show support. You mean if nobody votes? Yeah. >> [laughter] >> And so when we have our next meeting on the 28th, oh you're not going to be here. We typically reorganize when we have a full board the first meeting that we have a full board. I think we're fine. We could just keep them as it is. Oh no, we're not. >> [laughter] >> Little snarky look you had. Don't poke the bear. In fact I

100was like in fact I was I would I was like I want people I want to people to consider that maybe we'll be having Hey. Warm up being the chair, practice being the chair cuz I am no longer the official chair when when that hits. That's that's election. I've never heard you so clear before. >> [laughter] >> Last three years you've never said this. Right, yeah no I'm I'm I'm quite I'm quite different this year. So I am I am. So if people do have any Dipa, are you sure you don't want to be here at the 28th? I'm just saying you could end up being Why don't we all think about how to go about it? Yeah. And discuss it with the full board on the 11th of June. Will our associate member also

101be here? For the 11th of June? As far as I know. Um great. So I think that will Yeah cuz your term isn't up until the end of June. >> Yeah, so why don't we have that discussion as a board and All right, we'll get to the we'll get to the 20th. >> Bring some ideas and maybe we should all think about it, connect with Trisha, brainstorm with her what it involves, come up with creative ways to do it if you know if there's no one who wants to step up, what will it look like. Can't we to somebody into it? Well, I mean, you know, I would describe Tricia's style. She's extremely independent. I think with a lot of respect for Tricia, I think she tends to not delegate that much to other people.

102Um right, you're you're pretty pretty good at doing things directly. Um but if others cannot step up to the same degree, then we need to kind of rethink as a board how we want to organize and do things, right? So, if nobody's going to step up and volunteer, then there has to be conversation about that and how what's the alternative. What does that look like? I think we have people lined up and interested, so let's wait. How about this time? >> Well, and leadership styles can >> Well, we can discuss this. We're we're at a public meeting. We can discuss this. Does anyone have an interest? You don't have to You're not bound to it by saying you have an interest, but is there anyone that does have an interest? I think I've said, you

103know, hey, somebody's got to step up and do it. If and I will always defer to the panel and say, "Do you, you know, Anna, you got Do you want it?" If you don't have the bandwidth, you don't have the time, well, somebody's got to step up, and sure, maybe I can put some of that weight on me, for sure, but I have obviously caution. It's new to me. Like, I don't have the breadth of experience that you guys all have. And, you know, I would say be patient and learn as you go kind of thing. Yeah, no, I >> trained properly. >> Yeah, I mean, I I appreciate that because it's really just about Being chair is really about running It's supposed to be about running the meeting and having, you know, trying to

104have a clear, efficient, you know, whatever meeting as possible to get the the work done that we need to get done. Everything else kind of builds on that a little bit. You know, there are other things that other things other things do come up that need need an opinion, need a someone to be there, right? So, um But But I don't think you need to I don't think you need to sit on the board for any length of time to become the chair. I think all of us have probably been in a leadership position before. We've been on you know, we've been on different boards and committees before. So, it's just getting a a little bit used to things. Um So, I'm happy if anyone Anyone should be able to step up. Paul, if you're

105willing to do that and but anyone else can also put their What do they What do they have in the ring, as they say? And I think it's absolutely okay for leadership styles. I know she set a very high high bar to that position. We we may not be able to get there because she was able to accomplish that with with her interest. So, it's fair for the leadership style to be different. We all can We all learn to do it. >> the leadership style was different before. Sure. So, yeah. Absolutely. We We make decisions together. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, Right. As Trish said, it's about managing the meeting, right? But the decisions are made as a unit, as a group. So, that that's great. So, >> Yeah. But I mean, it's not just about

106the meetings. Like, I think the [clears throat] bigger piece of it is, you know, being Trish reviews all the decisions and details. She meets with the planner ahead of time on the bigger projects. She shows up on site. There's a whole kind of hands-on piece to it. Now, it doesn't have to be done in that vigorous way, but that that's the strength of the board in theory. That's the part where I'm suggesting some creativity. Like, if one person is unable to do all of that, >> Right. there can be kind of a division of tasks. We traditionally as a board have not defined the the roles of each title very clearly. We don't have rules on that as to what clerk means, what vice chair means, what chair means. So, like, in theory, we could

107either have somebody step up and say, "I'm going to be the next Trisha." Or we can look at each of these titles or create new ones. Maybe there's somebody who's going to show up at every site. Maybe there's somebody who's really good at reading decisions and who's willing to take that on and they're the writer. Maybe there's someone who's around Ashland a lot and who can show up to the planner for random questions that planning or legal has. It doesn't all have to be one person. That's kind of what I'm suggesting. [clears throat] >> the biggest thing that can take the burden I think the biggest thing that can take the burden off the chair is that is that is a um I felt at least that in showing up to a meeting, I had

108to make I had to be sure that at least one person read through the decision and you know and you know looked at all the stuffs. So, I had to you have to make sure one person did so I had to make sure it was me. Right? So, I think it's about but but in effect, this is about five people making decisions and five people should actually be reading all the information because that's our job. And to come prepared to every meeting, not hey this person can and I'm not saying this is what happened, but but um but one person shouldn't be briefing all the other us. All of us should be reading it and making our own opinion and then discussing those opinions amongst each other, you know, in the public forum. Um so,

109I want to be careful that we don't go to hey you're in charge of this, you're in charge of this and now we have one person's opinion and they're kind of telling everyone else what they discovered instead of five people bringing five voices to the table, which is what I think it's intended to do with five elected positions. So, and that's and that's where the kind of the burden is uh on it. So, I think once you I think people >> [clears throat] >> Any questions about that? Like it takes a while to kind of get into the mode of of what how the decisions are organized or how um you know, how they read. And and I'm happy to kind of go with that in more detail because like one of the things I

110did when I joined the board I must have been right after I became chair is to go through the whole the decisions because they were You should look at some of the old ones. They were all dis- They were all disorganized. I could not understand them. And so I shuffled everything and put things in categories so that they would be understandable because I couldn't understand it. >> How did they get to that point? I don't know. Was it because of the way it was led before or was it just >> I I don't know. Different boards and record keeping. Different boards, different planners have different styles. You know, even with Jasmine versus Peter, there's big differences in how decisions are framed. So I I don't want to go back in time because not everybody was

111here. But I mean, what I will say is we we have a new planner. We have a fairly new board. Um there's a lot of change. All I'm suggesting is I think Trisha did an amazing job under the circumstances and whatever the next configuration is, we can be creative and thoughtful about it and Trisha is not going anywhere. So ultimately we'll have her feedback. Um what I will say is on my end, like running a meeting is very different in my opinion from doing decision writing. Which is very different from being available to the planner anytime, right? When something needs to happen. A lot of these things are fairly last minute. We've gotten a lot better, but not always. And so to me it's like we need to talk about as a board, like do

112we have that capacity to kind of be available to Jasmine when she texts during the day? Mhm. Can you show up at town hall if necessary? Um who's going to do that? I just want to point out that's very minimal. Like, not to be rude, very rarely see Trisha in person. That's That has to not sound as monumental as it is, but we can discuss [clears throat] that offline what that really looks like if you'd like. And I think once you take on that responsibility, automatically you will figure out how to navigate So, I mean, I have I personally, on my day job, am part of so many different community boards. Um and each one has a different style and flavor to it. And just like how we get documents last minute, I personally send

113documents literally hours before a meeting. But we use that time during that meeting to really go through it. Yes, you may not be able to take a decision 5 minutes. It may happen 10 minutes later >> [clears throat and cough] >> so people can read it. So, I don't think there's a right or a wrong way to it. So, I think any of us who can step up to it. And we're going to make mistakes, we're going to learn from it. So, And like Anna said, Trisha's here. Trisha's willing to be that support system. But Yeah, and and I'll add, I think Jasmine has experience. She She came here from prior, you know, prior planning boards. And so, um I will say I probably won't be like if I was chair, I would not probably

114not be as vigorous as Trisha is with decision writing. Uh I probably would would be less less so. On the other hand, on the legal stuff, I might pay more attention. So, we all bring our own kind of comfort or expertise. Um if that makes any sense. And so, it doesn't need to be a replication of Trisha. On the other hand, I am recognizing that yeah, it might be rare that you need to go to town hall, but like it still happens sometimes. You need to go in there and have a meeting. Um and not all of us might have that. So, this is where I'm like throwing it out there that whoever steps up, you know, we can also have a wider conversation about it. What are the responsibilities of the rest of the

115board? Because that can be part of stepping up. Which we we haven't really done. We haven't like had defined, written out roles before is what I'm suggesting. Like actually pick point, like what are you going to be doing on the board? If we wanted to do that. All right, food for thought for uh June 11th. For June 11th? But People won't be here. So, we're doing it June 11th. Yeah, that's 4 weeks. Two 4 weeks from now is June 11th. Yeah, two meetings. 4 weeks. Well, maybe 2 weeks from now will be a a someone's practice run about how to run the meeting. >> forward for one more meeting? No, I'm saying next one is why someone Why can't someone else chair? I mean, I'd be happy to run the next meeting if that's helpful.

116I don't know what's on the agenda, but happy to help. Just till then and the decision for Great. Happy to do it. That's on the table right now. Yeah, so Should we make a motion to adjourn for the evening? Yes, we should. I'll make a motion to adjourn at 9:07. Second. And a roll call vote. Bobby [clears throat] Kennedy, Anna Testman, I. Scappucci, I. I'm on the scene of I. Antush Kandali, All right. Good night, everybody.