Planning Board (February 10th, 2026)

001Good evening everyone and welcome to the Ashlin Planning Board meeting of Thursday, February 12th, 2026. A reminder to everyone that the meeting is being broadcast and recorded. Um, first on our agenda obviously is calling the meeting to order which we will do at 7:19 and second is the chair or clerk's report and I have neglected to look at exactly how many emails we have received since the last meeting but it has been very few. Um, >> I don't know that actually any went to plan directly from the last meeting. I don't think so. >> I think you might be right. I think there there were some emails that we got before the last meeting, but it has been a little quiet since it >> took the select board, the letter from the select board, >>

002right? As far as like um in letters from the public, I I think has been quiet. So, I will correct that next time if I find out I was wrong, but it has been a little quiet. >> Um, next on the agenda is public comment. Um, we do have a few people online, so we will just open it up to public comment if there is any. Please, please raise your hand. >> Katherine. >> Okay. >> Hi. Thank you, Katherine Jerzik, 11 Rodman Road. Um, I appreciate that you're a continuing public comment uh for just various topics. So, I wanted to um have support for that. But I do have a couple things. I realize it's on the agenda. I think the a revised agenda may be later about the implementation group for comprehensive plan, but

003I just wanted to mention that um I I actually ran into one of the precinct reps, Jake, recently and he he reminded me that we um the committee wanted to have a handoff meeting with that new group and people are going to start to forget. So, I just wanted to put um a plug in that and if there's any updated information I can watch the meeting later or if you have that now to offer >> um update on the implementation committee. >> Yeah, we were planning to discuss that a little later. Um so I'm not sure what so I'm not I can't give you that update. So, um, Anna would be >> would be kind of spearheading that. But, um, >> okay. >> Um, the second thing is at the LA January 22nd meeting, the

004the last meeting, um, there there was some incorrect information about our water being from MWR and I think that's just really important to have um correct information. So, it was stated we get our water from the MWR and that is actually incorrect. So, we do have a supplemental connection. Um, I have heard that we have not used that ever for supplying water since it's been turned on and that would make sense with the way it was presented as supplemental only. Um, so I just I hope that will get corrected in the in the public record. Um, and then I I also just wanted to compliment that our comment and compliment that our new associate member had mentioned sort of about the water and sewer investigating. And I I feel like it's a little bit of

005a third rail in our town. And I I think part of that's because the water and sewer commissioners are the select board, but it comes up um continuously on planning board like is there adequate planning board has to evaluate whether there's adequate utilities for projects and yet if you don't have the information that would be through the select board. It's hard. So I feel like um I hope that maybe the associate member bringing that up will make some more action. I know the planning board and select board have been working together more. Um I think there's things like are the apartments per using more or less water per capita, right? Because we're that's how we're evaluated with the state you can draw so much and that would go back to, you know, is there a

006way to incentivize um getting them to use extra low flow? Maybe that's not necessary, but I I hope that the planning board will um not like take their foot off the gas pursuing the issue. >> Right. Great. Thank Thank you, Kate. >> Thank you. >> All right. So, uh next on the agenda is um the Ballard Road Highland Road um ANR. We had was this just last time we we met with this I think. Right. So, um, and there's there was a question, uh, about one of the lots, um, not meeting the rule of 22. So, we're >> both of them, the one was the one seemed obvious to me, the other one the other one I didn't notice. Um, >> actually, yeah. Um, you're you're correct. >> I'm sorry. >> Oh, pardon me. You'd

007think I'd know that. >> Yeah. So, if um obviously it's been three weeks since our last meeting because it's usually it's usually two, but there was that one um uh an extra Thursday in January. So, it would certainly be good to refresh our memory about what's going on in the project. And sure, and um >> if you can do that, that would be great. >> So, for the record, uh my name is Jason Panos, practicing law at 246 Andover Street, Peabody, Massachusetts. I'm joined by uh the applicant representative Sander Depitri, representative of the Depitri Group LLC, and our project civil engineer Mark Allen Carr of MP Design Consultants. Uh Sander is of 735 Main Street, Boilston for the record again. and uh Mark uh practices at 118 Turnpike Road, Sweet 200 Southboro. So, by way

008of update, since we met on January 22nd, we accomplished the following. We submitted a storm water permit application with the Conservation Commission for hearing on February 23rd, uh just a couple of weeks from now. And obviously on on February 2nd, we submitted to this board revised ANR plans uh to create the zoning conforming lots uh subject to the rule of 22 and otherwise. Um the chair was initially right. The uh lot that did not conform to the rule of 22 was lot uh parcel A which is marked on the plan on the screen. Uh you may recall from January 22nd, this is the type of plan that the chair requested um showing the ANR lots superimposed on that 1950 subdivision plan. Um, and because of the rule of 22, we now have an ANR plan

009that shows three lots, parcel A, parcel B, and parcel C, which is an unbuildable landlocked parcel. Um, and it will be used for storm water management, utility placement. We haven't quite figured out exactly uh what, but there will be a use for it. uh the affected lots from which the parcels are created. Uh according to this plan uh and all references to the lots in my presentation are going to be to this plan. all of the number references. Uh our lots 18, 19, 20, Marriott away, which is going to be discontinued. Portions of lots 22 and 23 and portions of Highland Road and Ballad Road being combined to create those ANR lots A, B, and C. The property is located in the residential Azoning district, and the residential dwelling uses are allowed by right on

010parcels A and B. And as I indicated, parcel C is not a buildable lot. The proposed dwellings on ANR, parcels A and B comply with the dimensional provisions of the zoning bylaw. We feel that this uh overall plan and that is the ANR plan on the screen uh which these these three lots do not exist in a vacuum obviously. the uh the Whoops. Uh I'm sorry, Jasmine, if you could go back to that. Um, so that 1950 plan shows a bunch of lots, many of which according to new law, we started talking about this according to a newly adopted uh statute uh have been revived. Um, for a while they were dimensionally non-conforming uh to your bylaw and non-usable. But because of the massive push for uh uh new housing to to fill the need,

011they adopted this new law as a tool to help um alleviate that that crisis. What's the result here? The result here is we have the two ANR 3 ANR lots, two of which will be used for residential purposes. And then we have another nine lots that are revived from that statute that require no additional relief from either the zoning board of appeals or the planning board. Um really it's this ANR plan and then the storm water permit that will be uh uh going before the conservation commission to to receive in a week and a half. And can I just interrupt to say um the >> the regulation that was recently passed is about >> is it can you explain that again? It's about course it's about using things that were formally approved but not built.

012Is that correct? >> So yes. So um let's unpackage that for a moment. It's a fairly simple provision. Uh I quote the whole thing on on as a note on the plan. And I believe it's note number four if memory serves me correct. And there are a bunch of pre prerequisites. So the lots in question have to be a minimum of 10,000 square ft. They have to have 75 ft of frontage. They had to have been compliant to zoning at the time they were created. And the interesting thing here in town is there was no zoning at the time they were created. So we uh default to the dimensional requirements of the actual statute. Um the 10,000 square ft and the 75 ft of frontage. Uh and if you have that, you can't recreate or

013combine lots to make it. It's baked into whatever you have. So, we found this 1950 plan, uh, lots 31, 30, 29, uh, 28, 21, um, 1617. Uh, am I missing any? No. uh all comply with that 10,000 foot 75 ft of frontage requirement. You can't change those lots at all. And so if you have them, you're allowed to build a three-bedroom house comprised of 1,850 square ft of heated livable space. That doesn't include unheated garages, unhabitable attics, un unhabitable uh basement, that type of thing. So, it's really the current 2026 version of a starter home. And uh that's what we intend to to put there. Now, uh, as far as zoning compliance on those lots, we are doing our best to make those lots comply with the various provisions of the zoning bylaw, uh, slope

014requirements and and and so forth. >> Um, >> do they do they need to automatically comply with current setbacks or the setbacks at the time? >> Setbacks at the time. So, there were no setbacks at the time. Uh I think zoning didn't come into play in the town uh until 1954 when subdivision control was adopted as well. It was all kind of packaged. So we have we have this nice efficient uh subdivision with the ANR lots basically and that's that's what's before you. And I I I go into that level of detail because I just want to make it clear that these two ANR lots don't exist in a vacuum. There's going to be uh there there's going to be development going on around them. And that's the development. Basically those those lots 31 30

01529 uh 21 uh 28 um and uh 17 16. Lot 15 is an undersized lot and we're going to be using that for storm water management purposes. That's already been designated. the way the water kind of sheet flows, it it's all going to be channeled there. Um, does anyone have any questions before I continue? You have a uh you have a pretty heavy agenda, so I'll uh go through my presentation fairly quickly. Um, as I indicated, Marietta Road, which is shown on the plan, it exists on paper. It's going to be discontinued. We're not going to use it. We're not going to build it out. Obviously, it's part of parcel A, parcel B. Um, Jasmine, do you mind going to the ANR plan itself? So, uh you can see that the frontage to the ANR

016lots are through these uh culde-sacs on each side. Uh Deputy Fire Chief uh Lynn Moan reviewed these. We provided her with a swift path analysis and she concluded that uh the town truck tower truck can navigate the proposed culde-sacs without damage to the apparatus and that email was provided email memo was provided to you dated January 7th of this year. Um she did recommend a condition and we're happy to adopt it um to prohibit parking and post signs accordingly in the culdeacs to allow for free uh free passage of emergency vehicles. Happy to do that. And um just to give you a little further orientation, Jasmine, if you want to go to the second page of the ANR plan, please. Yes. If you want to go a little further up. Um Yes. So the there

017are houses that actually it's not shown on this plan, but there are houses that were built according to this subdivision plan uh on uh uh Upland Road, which is the road that Highland and Ballard intersect. And there were houses that were also built on Ballard Road that go about midway to I don't know if you can see where the line is that shows the 24 foot wide dimension. The uh house lot goes to about there. So Ballard Road is improved to a point. Highland exists on paper. It's grally up to a point. All of those roads obviously will be improved. Uh it's a a 40 foot rightway on each side. The paved width will be 24 ft. So they're they're decent roads. They were ahead of their time when they were when they were designed

018back in 1950. So with that, we would ask for your endorsement of this ANR plan. and I'm happy to answer any questions along with our development team. >> No, go go go ahead. >> Um, since you can't park in the culde-sac, are you going to be developing the driveways large enough to be able to hold three vehicles since they're threebedroom houses? Yeah. >> Yes. Uh, the driveways are entirely zoning compliant. We have enough space. Um, so actually we provided the board with a zoning plan. Is that up? Is that the zoning plan? The zoning compliance plan shows actually that's it. Okay. So um the driveways are entirely zoning compliant. In other words, there's 10 ft from the edge of uh road um wide enough to accommodate two cars plus a parking garage uh which will

019accommodate that third car. >> Gota. And then I'm assuming you're not going to start on these end units. You're I mean are you going to start on the side units and kind of build down or are you going to start here and then build out? >> Good question. I'm going to defer to uh Mr. Depitri on that one. Do Sandra, do you want to come up? >> Name and address for the record. >> Thanks. >> Sure. >> Sandra Depri, 735 Main Street, Boilston. So, the way that we're contemplating right now is we'll likely do Ballard Road first and then um start work on Highland probably I don't know six or seven months after the fact just sort of so everything gets phased out and you're not pushing it all at once. >> Cool. >> And

020there's a significant amount of storm water management pertinence that has to be developed on Highland. Um, so that probably motivates a lot of that too, right? >> The uh the lot A, assuming I'm getting that right, the one on the left, that will likely be the last home built in the project the way that we're looking at it. >> Yeah. Okay. Thank you. >> You're welcome. So, so the ANR is about creating these two conforming lots which need to be created according to today's zoning. >> That's exactly right. >> Right. Not >> Right. Um in order to change this existing plan. And so the two lots are both about 30,000 square feet which is the right is right for the zoning. >> And then um is that 30,000 it includes the right of way and

021the culde-sac? It does. >> So because it's a private drive, it can include that. >> Exactly. And so while the fee interest, the ownership of the lot is entirely part of parcel A and parcel B respectively. >> It will be subject to easements that we will record on record um to accommodate the right of way. It'll be a right-of-way easement. Um, so those rights of way aren't going anywhere. They're not being affected. They're being expanded in fact because of the culde-sacs. But we needed the fee interest that we needed that so that we could make the compliant uh square footage, the zoning compliant, >> right? And then the um so and then that easement also then applies to say you'll be using that for lots to access those lots. You'll be learning you'll be using

022that easement which you're creating in advance so that they can >> so you can access those lots. So they're not >> exactly right. Okay. >> That's exactly right. they will not be landlocked. And actually the way the easement will be probably written is an easement created to benefit um and I'll reference the I think we're going to create a homeowners association uh to benefit that homeowners association for everybody to pass and repass lay utilities in a manner in which town uh roads and ways rather are used in the town of Ashlin. That's >> and and those two houses when even though that's not what this is about with those two houses when created >> parcels A and B yes >> they don't need to comply with the 1850 with the threebedroom 1850 they're more or

023less regular lots though of course adhering to the setbacks and other regulations of the current zoning. >> That's exactly right. But even with that, uh, you know, it's it's it's fairly well, it's not tight. You could see the dimensions there. However, even with that, we're proposing 2500 square ft houses. So, we're still uh it's not like we're going to do these 1,850T houses on the other lots and put these McMansions on these ANR lots. No, they're all going to be fairly consistent because at the end of the day that 1,850 square foot again, they were very careful in the statute to tell you heated livable space. So, the footprint of those houses will probably be about 2,2300 square ft at the end of the day when you add a garage and and that type of

024thing. >> Yeah. Are there any any questions? Yeah. Okay. I I appreciate you going over this again. I know you repeated a lot from last time. Um but it's a little little not tricky to understand. It's it's new. >> Yeah. And it's new. And as I I said last time, I I'm I'm happy to see for myself some um you know, looking at look using this regulation. Um looking a little bit creatively at lots to start maybe supplying some of these smaller houses that I I think we really need and that people are looking for. >> So um >> and it's not multifamily housing and there's nothing wrong with that. I certainly permit a lot of it, but it's >> this is a niche we don't have much of, frankly. >> And and Ashland is

025not unique in that regard. >> Um, a lot of cities and towns do not have this. And quite frankly, we're dusting off plans and looking to see where else we can we can do this. It's not even, you know, it's fairly straightforward. And it's it's kind of interesting. You know, you have an existing neighborhood here, but when you look at when these old subdivisions were created, they're really consistent with the neighborhoods around them. and developers through my 20 years of practice uh constantly lament why can't we build that pointing to a 10,000 square foot lot you know anymore why why do we have two acres zoning why do we have one acre zoning why can't we go back to efficient neighborhoods >> and this is a step in that direction I suppose >> so the

026next step in in this would be I mean, this is already an approved subdivision then. So, would this the next we won't be would we be releasing lots at some point? No. >> Or does this go right to this goes right to Doug Scott. >> This would go right to Doug Scott. >> These are all these are already >> these are already buildable lots. So, it would just go if you if you approve the endorsement, you approve the endorsement, they get it recorded at the registry of deeds and they they can begin building on any of the other lots >> at any point prior to that. >> Okay. Any questions? All right. Just for the record, Madam Chair, this is the letter from Lin Mohan, our deputy fire chief, just approving the swept path analysis

027that the trucks can >> and I think that with this um with this email, since it's an ANR plan and you really can't condition it, um >> what I would suggest is maybe putting it in the building commissioner's file so that when the building uh permits are issued, he can condition the building permits certainly. >> Absolutely. >> And I think that's the hook. Um >> that seems fair to me. >> But uh we're all going to have to collectively be on top of it. That's all. >> You don't want Doug Scott on your case. So >> all right. So >> noted. Is there is there a motion from the floor? >> I'll second the motion. >> First, we have to make the motion. >> And I can I'll make a motion to approve the Ballard

028Road Highland Road ANR as proposed. >> Is there a second? >> Yes, I will second that. >> You got good at >> um uh Deepa was out last week so she vote on second day. >> Not a public hearing so you can vote. All right, we'll do a roll call vote. >> Deepoai. >> Anna Tesmaniski. I >> scoutier I say I >> and Trisha Kendall I. So that is approved. We will sign those after the meeting and I'm >> if we can sign them now so they can take them. Is that okay? >> How many are there? >> It's just um >> you just have to sign them. I just two copies of >> Okay, we'll take a short break. No need to turn off the camera or anything while we sign Yeah. >> Um

029>> I'm sending this email from Doug Scott right now in CC. >> That's great. Yeah, that's awesome. Um okay, so next on our agenda is the public hearing section. We're trying to organize the agenda more and more. Um, as as you know, all of these public hearings have been continued. 55 maybe we can just get if if you know Jasmine, maybe you can just give us a sentence if you know why it's continued. So 55 Tilton, >> they're just waiting for the opportunity to respond to the peer reviews. So they just received one of them two weeks ago and the other one just this week. So they haven't had time to respond to anything yet. So they didn't think it would be fair to come before the board with an initial review and no responses.

030>> Okay. So that's like GCG peerreview. >> GCG and Haley Ward traffic. Yeah. >> Okay. So uh GCG and and traffic. So So they're they're responding to those. So hence So then the second question is when are we um when are we continuing to >> they were hoping for the 26th >> 26th? >> Yes, it is >> March. I'm sorry. The >> February >> 26th of February. >> So is that also when YMC wants to be heard? >> Yes, it is. >> And then we also have a joint hearing with the select board on the comprehensive plan. >> That's all that's all next week. >> I would not next week is sorry two weeks next time. >> So I would think that's a big load to have. >> I agree. The Y >> are we

031confident the Y will be ready? >> They should be. Yes. 55 Tilton A. You still have time to continue. They haven't reached their their time limit yet for review, but the Y has. So if you want to >> continue 55 Tilton, >> that would be my gut. My gut would be to move that one to March. >> Okay. >> I mean, just throwing that out there. >> I 12th. March 12th. >> Yeah. I mean, I'm a little unc Yeah. Uncomfortable loading up an evening, >> right? >> But are you um do you really think uh the YMCA is going to be coming? I they are still they do still have one response to give to GCG Associates, but it should be the absolute last response. GCG will then review that response and that should have

032everything tied up. >> Do you think two weeks is enough for that for that happen? >> I believe so. They've gotten GCG's comments last Friday, so that should be enough time. I'm hoping they they think that they have enough time by then. So, >> okay. So, can we um >> I don't It's difficult to >> That's a tough one. I mean, if we have time with the Tilton, I'm tempted to push Tilton to March if if that's not going to mess with their deadlines. >> You do? Yeah. I can let you know exactly when the deadline is. >> I'm just throwing that out there that otherwise we're going to have potentially two big projects. >> So many, >> right? >> Yeah. And and the joint it's a joint meeting with the select board, right? That's

033a that's a big important meeting. >> Yeah. or um >> so I I would suggest we move the tilted to March if Jasmine confirms we have the deadline to do it. >> Although 240 260 that's the other one that >> I don't Yeah, I think that's being pushed out further. >> That is being pushed out much further. So that they were actually asking for the first hearing in March >> the 12th because they they're not aware. That's why I'm thinking Tilton and that one to March. And >> the Tilton we've got time. We've got until the first the second week of March, sorry. So we it would have to be continued until we'd have to open it that day, that March 12th hearing to be able to continue it again to ask for an extension

034at that time. >> Their their deadline would be up on the 15th. So if we continue them to March 12th, yeah, >> we'd have to ask them for >> Is there anything about like I mean I don't I know we don't want to get stuck with all of this at the same time, but I also would feel bad if we pushed Tilton and then can't and then YMCA needs to be pushed >> and then Tilton, you know, wanted to be on that like is >> look, we could move them all to the 26th, both of them to the 26th and then >> just put them on later in the agenda and see >> put them later and go see how it goes. Might be a late night. >> Yeah. Well, why don't we put them

035on the 26th? But it um you know, and then we can determine when it seems like if if both of them are actually going to >> right >> show up. >> Um we can we can let them know how much time they have and what we are going to want to cover during that time >> and to give that information to us accordingly. >> Okay? >> You know, because for both of them, we have been waiting, >> right? So, we're gonna we're just going to control that about what we're going to hear that night and how long we're going to hear it. >> Okay. So, why don't I I'm going to make a motion to continue 55 Tilton AB special permanent site plan review to >> February 26. >> Second that. And a roll call

036vote >> Deep Wanka I and Tesmani I >> Scapelier I >> and Trisha Kendall I and so YMCA um that's next on that that's um and they were you just said they were also waiting on one thing and that's why you expected them to be ready. >> They should everybody's anticipating they'll be ready. That's what they've said. So >> Okay. >> Barring something astronomical >> and their deadline requires it to be the 26th of February. >> Yes. because if not we have to extend get another extension from them. >> So I'll make a motion to move 30 Memorial Drive YMCA to February February 26. >> Second that. >> And roll call I >> got I >> and Trisha Kendall I that's the 26th now 240 to 260 Pleasant Street. Jasmine, what did you find out

037about them? >> So, essentially, it sounds like whoever was in charge of the rec program at the church has since left that position and nobody's since filled that position. So, that's why we haven't heard anything. Um, they're talking with whoever might make that decision now if they would like to consider withdrawing or continue to keep continuing. They haven't gotten any decision yet. So, as of right now, they'd asked if we could continue until March 12th, but they are asking the powers that be if they would like to either withdraw or if they think they'd be ready to present again. >> Okay. >> So, March 12th would be the >> March 12th would be the the next one they'd be looking for. >> I'll make Do you want me to make a motion? >> Yeah, that

038was I had just uh asked Jasmine um hey, they're they're >> just you know what's going on that they're continuing so much because it's not that big of a project. Yeah. >> And so she said there there was that kind of personnel issue that no one's taken this up. >> So I also put out there and I'm not sure who makes this decision that they could um they could if they wanted to with withdraw without prejudice >> and again I don't know who makes the decision about the fees but that perhaps the town then could wave the fees the application fees >> if they reapply. they would still Jasmine said they would still have to pay for like the a butter notification that kind of fee but I think that's probably much smaller than >>

039than the actual application >> the actual application fees. So if you could find out about that too just if if they're interested in that option I don't know what power we have to to not have fees but >> it's actually the board's perview to wave the fee. So any anybody could ask that you request reasonably that you wave a fee and it's up to the board. You can't obviously you can't wave the the two fees you can't waver are the public hearing notice fee and the butter fees because that's you can't you have to notify them you have to pay the paper but you can wave the actual application fee >> how how does the board feel about that I don't think we need a formal >> I'd have to pull it up off the

040top of my head because it's not just based on the application it's actually based on the size of the project and they filed before I even got here they filed a year ago so >> I just thought it might be best instead of us kicking it, kicking it, kicking it down the road to let them kind of get things together again and then kind of come at it fresh but without having to pay. >> Seems like a good idea, >> whatever fees there are. So, if you want to, I guess just if the board is in agreement, you can kind of give them that option and they could make a formal request then if if if they wanted that, we could talk about on March 12th if they want to >> pursue that. >> Absolutely.

041Oh, okay. All right. So, I guess that needs to be then continued to March 12th. >> Yes. >> So, make a motion to move 240 260 Pleasant Street site plan review design plan review and site alteration. >> Second >> to March 12th. Sorry. >> Still sub. >> Roll call. >> Deep. >> Anna Tesmani. I >> Scott Pilter. I >> Paul Montasino. I >> and Trisha Kendall. Okay. So, oh, I guess we have one more thing, but it's different. >> In-law apartment zoning bylaw amendment. So, this is taking a change in direction. >> So, um pursuing the questions that we had talked about last time. I dug into my building code. It's very exciting. I dug into the bylaws, also very exciting, and couldn't find exactly how those things came together to kind of prevent someone

042from doing um to putting in a second fortune or like where does it talk about in-law suite? So, we had a meeting um another meeting with Jasmine, I Doug, >> Lisa, >> Beth, and Lisa me where a lot of us crammed into a very small space. And um and the conclusion was that the um the conclusion was really from Doug that this is about um a means of of I don't want to say controlling that's the wrong word but of keeping a record of these in-law suites that someone can develop that can put in their home um under the normal building code under the bylaws. There's nothing that says they're disallowed, right? because it's just a it's just a group of rooms inside your home. But um with our new ADU bylaw, which we needed

043by state regulation, the concern is that someone sells a house, someone buys a house, and you think you have an ADU and you don't, right? For there's no so for there to be an understanding of the difference between the two. So this is being pulled as a planning board amendment mean this it's no longer in our hands and you but I believe we will be seeing at town meeting a a bylaw outside of a planning bylaw that um requires um an in-law apartment to be what's the word to be um registered >> she hold on she said sorry she did send it to Yes. So this is Lisa. >> It has to be recorded at the registry and or recorded against their deed and provided to Doug Scott, >> right? So >> show that it's

044>> so it's more of a documentation requirement. >> Yes. >> And she'll create a >> she's presenting it as town council rather like who's sponsoring it. >> Doug will probably present at town meetings still, but she's also creating the form. So when somebody creates it, Doug gives them this form. That's what they record and then they bring that recorded form back to Doug. So that way there's no mistake that maybe it was they meant it in this, maybe they meant it in that. She's creating the actual form for them to record. So that way it's you'll know this is specifically this. We didn't call it an in-law. >> No, we called it a secondary suite. >> Secondary suite. >> Sorry, I had my microphone off. Secondary suite. Yeah. So um so basically it means when

045someone goes to buy the property attached to this deed is that this description of this >> this this suite that's saying it is not an ADU and thus can't be rent it's not a two family it can't be rented out as a two family it's not a two family home and to make that kind of clear legally does that make sense >> sort of so the big thing that I wanted to after reviewing the meeting what I really want to push on is the fact that it says it has to be owner occupied Right. That was part of his wording that the if you have an in-law that it has to be owner occupied, which I don't agree with, and that you can't rent it out because what I'm thinking of, let's say I have

046my house, >> but I don't think that's happening anymore. >> It's no longer in our >> neither of those two parts are on there. >> No. >> Well, it's not a you you could whatever whatever is on there, you can address at town meeting. It it actually is a very little description of it's not I don't think it's a long >> share. >> Yeah, you can. it. Um, you can bring up the the wording. Um, >> did I misunderstanding if it's there? >> Sorry. Oh, I thought you meant like it's just going to be a documentation thing when there is >> Well, there's still a bylaw. >> They still have to add it to the general bylaw so that way he can require this document. So, it's actually very simple. So, this has nothing to

047do with who can live there. This doesn't limit who can live there. >> No. >> Okay. Well, that wording was in the previous bylaw, and I wanted to make sure that that was addressed, but it doesn't look like it's in on NIS, >> right? >> So, this isn't changing that. >> Yeah. >> Right. No, I get that. I just I just wanted to make sure that like if I move out of my house and I have an in-law, I can rent that >> and now it doesn't turn it into like, oh, you can't use that space because you're not owner occupied or you're not, you know, renting it to somebody, you know, or like a family member. So, it doesn't seem like it's in there on that, which is fine with me. I just But

048I wanted to discuss that tonight, but it seems like it was taken out, so I guess I don't really have to worry about it. >> Yeah. Whatever legal the issue is about what you can rent or not rent is not a part of this bylaw. So >> it sounds like this is more of like if you have this type of >> sweet you should record it. >> Yes. >> Totally get it. But that's >> I have to say that's a lot of words for that but okay. Um, >> so >> from the meeting that I wasn't at and the meeting that we talked about last week, there was another meeting that happened outside of this that change the direction of how this goes. But I didn't know that that meeting existed happened. >> Yeah, we

049didn't know until, >> you know, was, you know, out there and I'm glad it came like this way and it sounds like it's solving the problem without the issues that I came up with. But, you know, I just didn't know that was there. So, I was prepared and ready to talk about it today and apparently I don't need to. >> But that's not going to prevent the situation that you just talked about. >> Sure. Sure it can because it doesn't say anything about that secondary suite being rentable, having to be homeowner. You know, you don't have to live there. Like none of that. >> What I'm hearing is the prior versions that we've been talking about for a few meetings are being withdrawn for now because what really matters >> is more of a documentation

050concern that takes care of the issue. So, it sounds like what you brought up may may have been spot on that it's may not be necessary by state law. >> But when I rent my home, what happens to that secondary suite? >> Nothing. It just stays recorded on your deed as a secondary suite. >> So, the family that moves in as a rental uh accommodation can use that secondary suite as part of the It's just part of the home. >> It's just part of your single family home. It's just like another >> They cannot rent it out. Correct. It's not >> correct. Like you can't rent two family. >> It's not a two family. It's not an ADU. That's the whole point. >> Yeah. You could have a roommate like you can like one live

051in there and one could live but >> we couldn't prevent that now, >> right? >> But you couldn't have two separate renters. >> So the problem that we're preventing is what precisely? >> We're preventing people from abusing it. This also like I'm glad they did this because what it's saying is because if you had a fire in your house and then they came in and said, "Oh, you have an unpermitted ADU." And you're like, "No, no, it wasn't an ADU. It was a secondary suite and this was done correctly." And your insurance company isn't going to, you know, deny your claim because you didn't have an ADU. You never put it in. That's not what you did. You added a secondary suite. Does that make sense? So like just by noting this on there now

052you can still build this collection of rooms to do the functionality that you wanted to do in there and then not be an ADU. >> Yeah. I mean Doug uh we don't actually have to discuss this at all because it's no it's no longer under our purview but as an explanation again Doug's question was about it was that because an ADU and a secondary suite can look can look to the naked eye basically identical how does a person know when they're buying a house that which one they have right so This basically documents which one you have because they are different but in the way that you have to build them according to the building code which is about life safety right it's not about rent the building code is about life safety and those

053two items are different according to life by life safety so that make sense >> so okay >> so it sounds like we don't need to vote on any in-law apartment zoning bylaw at all >> not unless you show up to town meeting >> understood So, >> okay, which we welcome you to. >> Okay. All right. So, um other items on the list. Um planning board task list. We'll skip that for a minute. I don't know if we'll be coming back to it. Um letter regarding zero cross street. Um this is the one. I'm so confused what this is. Um, this is a letter that the select board where we find it in um the Hopkins. >> Yes. >> It should be there. It is. So, no. >> Yes. Sorry. Sorry. It was under this other

054uh I I had put something on top of it. It's the one that starts uh dear Mr. McH. >> So, why are we calling it zero? Sorry, that confuses me. >> That's the That's the street address for Ashland. >> Oh, because it doesn't live in a because it's not in Ashland. >> It is technically, but it doesn't have an address. That's it's we call it zero cross street in Ashland. It doesn't have a designated >> Sorry. Okay. That's >> No, because there's never been a building for I didn't know what that was. So, that's actually a reference to this solar thing. >> That little tiny square that's in Ashland on top of that. That's exactly what it is. >> That was Thank you. >> Yeah. So, um the way we left this last time and

055and we had um uh the few residents um who were um in involved in this uh inquiry were were here or you know speaking online and um we knew that the select board was composing a letter um to the town or sorry to Hopington um just in supporting the residents efforts to um you know encouraging Hopington to kind of basically fulfill the um the decision of of their own planning board, right? So um we had talked a little bit about maybe piggy back piggybacking onto that select board letter and I did reach out to Joe about that but kind of moved kind of quickly and it was already out the door um before I thought it would be. Um so uh the question for us is now is um if we want to provide anything

056as well. Jasmine suggested she could write a simple memo. Um that the planning board also supports the letter of the select board. Um there's no reason to repeat all of this information I don't think. Um, but we can keep it fairly simple or if we want to do nothing, you know, about it. >> Or if you'd like to write your own letter because this message didn't convey, that's we can do that. Also, >> my gut reaction when I first read this is it conveyed the message very clear, just loud and clear. what the next steps were. So I then in my head I didn't think they needed another letter to say exactly the same thing. But I'm just trying to understand who has jurisdiction closest to what this is. I think that it's very big

057picture. So probably the select board. I mean unless we disagree with it. If we're all in agreement with it and the select board did this as a unit, right? I know they talked about it at their meeting. I didn't I didn't look at He says on behalf of the select board, so I assume they >> he's writing it as the town of Ashland is relying on Hopkinson to uphold the process. I I think we're good. >> I do notice it's not dated. So, is this a draft that hasn't gone out yet? >> No, it had been emailed by um Chairman Minani, but Susan Roby had sent it to me and said since he emailed it, she didn't have the specific date. So that's why it had she had it blocked out, but I can get

058that information for you. >> So is that So are you saying that, hey, they're good. We don't need to have anything from the planning board, or do you want to have a memo showing planning board support for the select board's letter? >> I'm okay with either one. >> I was just wondering because it's a it's a planning board in Hopington. It's a planning board issue, right? It's a planning board decision and we have often and not not with the new board of course but in recent years talked about uh residents coming forward and um being in support of our residents. Um >> so the way to handle it might be because the the select board wrote to the select board, >> right? Who do they write to? >> They were writing to >> to Hopington.

059>> I think that's their >> director of municipal inspections in Hopkington. >> Oh, that's interesting. So, they're not writing to the board. They're not writing to the equivalent of a select board. That's interesting. Oh, no. They're CCing the select board of Hopington. Okay. I mean, that is interesting. So, in theory, we as a planning board of Ashlin could take this letter. We could write to the planning board in Hopington and we could simply say planning board to planning board we are in agreement with the select board's letter to the extent that the planning board in Hopington has jurisdiction we're reiterating agreement we could do that I don't know if we need to rewrite the letter we could just pass it on to the correct entity because I'm not sure Christopher Mcright would have any jurisdiction

060>> I think it's about enforcement at that point >> I may also recommend just CCing their town council >> probably. Yeah, >> just because I know their council is involved in it. So if you want to write it to their planning board in CC, their select board and council, just your letter of support for this select board's letter. >> So So what we're I'm trying to like >> because Kai, you have your button on. Are you waiting to say something? We're This is only just to show a >> support >> um I guess support. That wasn't what I was thinking. Solidarity of like with their planning board on the support of this where like >> like they're not going to look at our letter and be like, "Oh, well, now that Ashlin, >> you know,

061feels like we should do it, then they're going to do I mean, they're already working on it, right?" Like it's like it's, you know, it's not like a thing. But if this helps support and show that we support it with our, you know, residents, then sure. I just >> Yeah. I mean, >> to do work just to do work isn't like, you know, it's already happening. But I mean, obviously we feel the same way. We want this to be, you know, or at least I think we do >> to be, you know, owned by Hopkin to follow through on what they said. Um, >> yeah. I mean, do we have jurisdiction? No. Yeah, that that's really clear according to. really it's about we have a couple residents who are in that area who did all

062this research. They've reached out to us, their representatives, right? And to the select board, their representatives, um letting them know, letting us know what's going on. And so, like I said, in past years, we have really tried to pay attention to listening to our residents that bring issues in front of us. You know, there's not much we can do. The residents understand that. I think they said that last time online. They realized that there's not much we can do. On the other hand, having, you know, just saying, "Yeah, we agree with this." You know, it it's a small uh a small gesture, I think. Um, so >> I think a quick letter is fine. I'm happy to send something to Jasmine right now that kind of helps. >> That'd be wonderful. >> That'd be great.

063She basically would just say, you know, on behalf of the planning board, we're writing to the planning board of Hopington. >> Um, >> so is this something we want to um is this something we want to come back with in two weeks or is this something that can be reviewed by two of us? And >> I have full faith and support that if you were to write this that it would be >> quite good and I would support it. Okay. >> Sorry, Madam Chair. We have a Tony who's raised their hand. >> Oh, Tony, I probably is one of this discussion, >> I believe. So, so >> Tony, you can unmute yourself. >> Hi, good evening. Can you hear us? >> Yes. >> Excellent. I'm here with Susan Thorne. We can uh add some color

064and commentary if you'd like. >> Please thank this board so greatly for the appre the uh support for this. And I do think it would be meaningful for the planning board to um actively coordinate with your counterparts, the planning board, for them to hear from you. Um we did present at the February 4th select board meeting um about this and we did get their support you know to write the letter and we basically said you know we asked the select board to use the tools available to them which was the zoning conservation mechanisms acquisition pathways and coordinated planning with Hopkin to ensure that that parcel is preserved as open space u conservation land as was intended. Um, we also did ask that any municipal permits related to zero cross street be paused until this matter

065could be resolved. And I do understand that that's happening. And then we also asked that town council notify the prospective buyer and Agilitas um that the parcel is subject to a recorded special permit condition of open space use and that the town of Ashland intends to enforce that. And then last but not least, and I certainly hope it doesn't come to this, but if the buyer uh does take the property subject to those conditions, which legally run with the land, um we're asking the town of Ashland to enforce the special permit open conditions because development rights don't expand simply because the ownership changes. >> I'm so sorry. May you just both identify yourself with name and address for the record, please? >> Absolutely. This is Susan Thorne, 181 Cross Street. And this is Tony Quattron,

066181 Cross Street. We're the above. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> So, I mean, the draft I have is, "Dear members of the Hopkin Planning Board based on feedback of Ashlin residents who are writing in support of a letter prepared by the Ashlin Select Board previously forwarded to Christopher White on February whatever, we agree with the sentiments of the letter and ask you to use the tools available to your board to ensure the parcel at issues preserved as intended." >> That sounds amazing. >> That's perfect. Thank you so much. Yes, absolutely. And by the way, I mean, we happen to be the residents that learned about this and got wind of it because we're a Butters and because the prospective buyer went to the Ashland Conservation Commission before they realized all of

067this uh you know, open space designation was there. But I've certainly talked with my neighbors. uh some of them are in Ashland government and uh you know both Ashland and Hopkinon residents who use the trail system that's on that land and everyone is absolutely supportive of protecting this beautiful forested piece of property with the trail system. I mean it was it was a condition of that solar project going in that that be part of the open space. So it would just be an absolute you know travesty candidly if if that was not kept as open space. Right. Understood. >> Do we need to vote on this draft? >> I I think we should. We can take a quick vote on it and then we can >> I'll make a motion to send that letter to

068the Hopington Planning Board as I read. >> All right. Is there a second? >> Second that >> and roll call vote >> and a test I >> got I >> and Trisha Kendall. So we will be sending out that that letter. >> I sent it to both Trisha and Johnson. >> Great. Thank you. Very efficient. >> Thank you so much. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> See, those lawyers are good for some. >> I can draft a quick letter and type over 90 words a minute. Yeah, very helpful. >> Those are things I cannot do. So, there's >> valuable skill. >> It's mostly because of my typing class in Brooklyn High School, but that's okay. >> I don't do those anymore. My kids typing class. >> I know. I remember. >> Typing. Oh, typing almost

069ruined my GPA in high school. >> It is a power It's a powerful skill. It almost >> way better than my law degree. >> Yes. Save so much time. >> All right. Was a hard course. All right. The the rest of these uh these other two things are kind of on here. Um well, first of all, uh item C, design review committee discussion. Just a a very short note about where this is at. Lisa has been Lisa me towns council has been very busy recently with lots of bylaws and different things that she's needed to write, letters and reviews and whatever. But it is on her to-do list um to write a bylaw and I think we still we still have time to right >> that will >> um replace our current bylaw for the

070design review committee and form the the group that we were hoping to form for at a per project basis. So >> I think we created language on that already. Right. and she's d she's just dropping the more because we had asked if they could do it on a rotating basis. So, she's just trying to work that language in. >> So, that's where that is. It hasn't I'm I'm hoping still that that is on the spring town meeting because >> she did submit the notice of intent for it. So, the deadline for that is the 27th. So, now we've got until April 2nd to get the actual bylaw language. >> So, there's a placeholder for it which I'm pretty excited about. I think it would be a nice way to handle >> great >> these projects.

071>> Awesome. hopefully get some members. >> Yeah. Yeah. Great. So, so that's um that was just a report about where that is. >> Any questions about that? >> But we'll it will be coming back for discussion once we have something on on paper. Um item D is a discussion regarding comprehensive plan implementation committee. This is something Anna has been working with Yolanda. >> I Yolanda sent a draft a few days ago. Unfortunately, I didn't get to it until today. Um, and she did a great job summarizing what I also recall from the compreh comprehensive plan. So, she created a one-page summary, which in my I don't know if that's been circulated, but in my mind, it's perfect. And it basically says that the committee would consist of a planning board member, a select board member,

072five to seven members of the public. >> Bring it up >> with the past. I have it right here. If you want me to send it to you, Jasmine, >> if you don't mind. Um, >> let me think about how to do that. Do you know how to send it to yourself? Sorry. Actually, you know what? Let me find it in the email format. One second. But while I'm sending it to Jasmine, essentially, Yolanda summarized it exactly as I remember it. And then the kind of like what their task is, she took it right out of the comprehensive plan itself. >> Oh, wow. Okay. So it it seems spoton. There's one sentence at the end of it that talks about like how often they're going to meet that's a little bit ambiguous >> um that

073maybe we can clear up al together with the select board >> but I I honestly think it's perfect and I responded to Yolanda today um and as far as I know we have a joint meeting on the 26th to address it. Uh sorry I'm struggling to find it. >> I don't have it. receive that. >> Is that meeting in person for everybody or is it virtual? >> The 26th. It's a hybrid meeting. >> Hybrid. >> Yeah. Between us and the select board and >> is it just for this or was it >> the housing production plan as well? >> Housing production plan and then they were going to try to piggyback this already together. >> Yeah. To talk about this letter and form the foundation committee. Yolanda. Think I got it. Do you know if

074that implementation committee would be formed before or after the elections as we're getting >> I would think as soon as possible probably before um because in theory it's going to be full of the original comprehensive plan membership because the ideal way to do this is we go to them first and they fill it. And the way she drafted this, that's how it reads. It basically says because that's the ideal scenario. So the way she presented it, and I just sent it to Jasmine, planning board and select board each select a member, right, from each board. >> Then there's a call to the past members of the comprehensive plan full committee to see who's interested. In theory, that can fill the entire five to se seven seats. If more than three members are interested from that

075original board, she's envisioning the planning board and select board would review and determine which members or a subcommittee of the two boards would review and determine members. A call then goes out to the general public to see who's interested to fill the rest. If more than three are interested, the planning board and select board would then review and determine which members. So, I like her visualization. This was not thought out by anyone other than Yolanda, but it kind of makes sense and it seems fair and it's consistent with the comprehensive plan committee's discussion that ideally this should be filled by people who've already been through the comprehensive plan process. >> Now, how many of those people are going to want to be part of it? I don't know. But if the point is one select

076board member, one planning board member, and five to seven, I'm hoping at least half of that is going to be taken care of by the former committee itself. And then you got to post for the general public. I mean, ideally you want that done as soon as possible. >> Yeah. No, it's true. And I think I think in those meetings where because I was only in on them the last few meetings and there there was talk also about that that other component from the community, the kind of fresh eyes, right? Um fresh, you know, instead of everyone who has been on there, but getting some people that might come in with a very fresh perspective >> on the document, you know, obviously. So, >> so is the implementation committee an advisory group? How what exactly

077is their role? >> So, traditionally the way this works is there's a comprehensive plan and what communities do is then they create an implementation committee that guides the implementation component together with partnership with the select board planning board and town government. Right? And so the idea is this is such a big thing that someone that has a community connection just like the comprehensive plan is meant to reach different parts of our community to be part of a comprehensive plan decision. The implementation committee is the same kind of idea. You're reaching towards different members of the community. You're partnering together to really make sure this gets implemented. So it's sort of you're creating an additional resource for the town of Ashland that then guides the implementation process in partnership. They're not in charge. They're a partner

078to the select board planning board and town government. >> Kind of like liaison. >> Say that again. >> Kind of like a liazison >> kind of. But it's to me it's very similar to the comprehensive plan concept. Like there was a committee of people that we the two the select board and planning board trusted the comprehensive plan committee to create a plan. Now, we're going to trust the implementation committee to assist in the implementation process. But remember, they can't force anything. They can't be like, oh, >> you know, this zoning must pass, >> right? >> I think I think um >> I just need access. I'm sorry. I need access to view the document. >> Oh, how do I do that? Sorry, this is a this is a Yolanda document. >> Oh, I just said

079Oh, I might have gone to Yolanda then because it asked I had to send to ask sorry >> ask access access. >> Yeah. Um, >> was this Did this go out in the Did this >> No, I didn't receive this. >> Okay. >> Yeah, this was something that she sent out. >> Okay. >> So, you maybe download that page and then send it as an attachment. >> I can just cut and paste it. Hold on. >> Oh, there you go. >> Sorry. >> No, please don't. >> Yeah, I'm just going to put it into the sub into the email. >> There you go. So, now you should have it. >> Just paste. >> Yeah. So, so today it's just for any comments that we might have about the composition of that group because it will

080we will be discussing it with the select board. view. >> I think I think the the point is that okay, we now we have this written document and is and to have like a small group that it's their whole job to keep looking at it say what what's the lowhanging fruit we can go for. What are what's what are our priorities for this year? What's the priorities maybe for the next three years, you know, and and how and then who's involved with those like cut, you know, >> it is right out of the comprehensive plan what they're supposed to do. She cut and pasted it into that um middle section. This language about key responsibilities is directly from the commentary plan. So So Yolanda just cuts and paste what they're supposed to do. Collaborate with

081departments to facilitate cross functional alignment. Serve as an accountability partner, supporting municipal staff by identifying grants and organizing volunteers to assist with initiatives. Establish a baseline metrics to measure progress towards a plan goals. Tracking progress on implementation. noting when strategies are complete. All of that is right there. And I think that was created by the consultant for the comprehensive plan and it was agreed upon and voted by the comprehensive plan committee. That's our plan. Essentially, the comprehensive plan creates this process as far as what they're supposed to do. But then on the bottom, um, Yolanda is making her recommendations. So the bottom section is completely Yolanda drafted. I happen to agree with it. I like what she did. That's the part that we don't we have full control to like discuss. Do you know what

082I mean? Like everything higher than that is already voted on because it's part of the comprehensive plan. But the how do you select these people? That's Yolanda's creativity on the bottom. And I like it. >> Yeah, it works for me too. I don't see your problem. >> I understand the kind of the the behavior metrics of the implementation committee. looking at it from the other side, how do they comply with the implementation? So there's there's different segments of the comprehensive plan and people are going to say, "Hey, we want to have this service. We want to have this." >> Yeah. You can't force >> How does that get force that? Because a lot of that is going to be zoning. So presumably they're going to write to us in a year or six months and

083they're going to say, "Hey, we're the implementation committee. there's about 10 different zoning things you guys need to do and we're going to have to draft them up and we can't force the public to grant them. >> We're going to go to town meeting and we're going to be like we're just doing what the comprehensive plan said and >> but we can't force that to your point >> the public has to come >> into this discussion to be able to put something into >> which was the whole process of the comprehensive plan. So the whole idea was as part of the comprehensive plan we had a ton of meetings with the public. This is what the public wanted. And so in theory, when the implementation happens, none of it is a surprise to the public

084because we spent multiple years in the comprehensive plan process. But the implementation committee is going to now be like, okay, the public wanted it. Here's what everyone needs to do. But then if the public changes its mind and doesn't vote for it at a town meeting, we're not going to be able to force that. Well, I think that even I think there's even a note up there which strategies are complete in progress, not feasible >> or when alternatives are needed. So that that's even there, right? It can change, right? It's flexible. It's supposed to be a working document. >> So yeah, I don't I don't have a I don't have a I don't have a better proposal for choosing the committee. >> I think the way she drafts it is pretty reasonable. Um like I

085said, the only thing that was a little confusing to me was the very bottom sentence. um where they would select a chair, vice chair and set the initial calendar based on the recommendations of the comprehensive plan. I just don't remember what that is like in the comprehensive plan itself. >> So my only suggestion to Jasmine would be for this joint meeting. I think we should bring the comprehensive plan with us and look at what that is because I don't remember those recommendations >> and we may want to like air that out and make sure we know what we're agreeing to. >> Yeah. >> Because I don't remember that schedule being in there at all. Yeah, I don't think we I don't think we need to vote on anything like that tonight because the vote is

086in a bigger group and they may the select board may have some other ideas that we might >> think oh that that's a good idea. I want to change it from this. >> Well, we can informally see if we agree on it informally. >> I wonder if there should be a salooning board. >> There wasn't for the comprehensive plan. Yeah, but this implementation it's like somebody who needs to have that perspective. Um it's great there's a planning board select board but I think if >> jurisdiction >> a lot of the zoning the comprehensive plans was it was such a broad stroke. um when you come into implementation I think you need I I would think you need that strength of a zoning board member being part of this group but I mean their jurisdiction in

087my opinion is very narrow. They do specific types of zoning that I don't recall anything in the comprehensive plan touching on their zoning jurisdiction at all. All of their zoning stuff in the comprehensive plan was purely planning board zoning. None of it was the jurisdiction of the zoning board. Is it correct me if I'm wrong, Jasmine? The zoning board's jurisdiction on zoning is really quite limited to 40bs and >> variances and very specific kind. >> I don't think any of that was in there. And what would happen is if I'm wrong and there's like one zoning thing that has to do with them, the implementation committee would involve them. >> Do you know what I mean? As a partner, they would have to partner with them. I would say that um the zoning board of

088appeals is already short I believe two members. >> Yes. And we have a third that's >> and having trouble Yeah. filling them. So, but if a zoning board of appeals who have been who have Yeah. who have been extremely busy over the past year and will continue to be busy. >> But if they put in an application that would probably be viewed very >> um very favorably if if one of them >> finds time in their schedule. I mean, this is a multi-year process that >> doesn't touch their jurisdiction. And if it does, it's going to be so narrow that they will get involved anyway. >> We'll find out more as this comes into fruition. >> That's right. All right. So, are we good on that? >> Yes. >> I think we'll be ready for

089the if anyone has any questions. Otherwise, we'll be ready for the discussion with the select board. Seems pretty >> So, informally, we're good with it. I think that helps the the select board, >> I would say. Yes. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Seeing some nods. >> We're good. All right. >> And then do we know if this is already on the agenda for the 26 or do we because I know Yolanda was like we should get it on the agenda, but I don't know if that ever happened. >> This is on the agenda for the 26. So we have as of right now we have this um public hearings that we continued 55 um Tilton A, the 30 Memorial Drive, the housing production plan and the comprehensive plan. And both of those public hearings would be

090after the other things >> after the joint hearing. Yes. >> So that will we'll see then about who's really serious about >> Yeah. So >> how they which they really Yeah. to >> I mean the other thing that we should think about is if one of us is ready to step up and volunteer in theory at that meeting on the 26 we would choose someone from the planning board and from the select board. So, in some ways that's something we may want to discuss now or come prepared to that meeting if you want to step up. Um, right. Like we should discuss that. >> Yeah. Well, I mean, we can take a minute to discuss that. I'm not sure everyone has had time to absorb it, you know, at all. >> Yeah. And to earlier

091question about the timeline, um, at least my position is up for vote this May. Mhm. >> So if I say I raise my hand and I do not continue, I don't know how that affects the implementation. >> Then let's say we vote for you now and you don't get reelected, then we would just vote for someone else. Like that happened when Kate withdrew from the planning board, right? I think Trisha stepped in at the end. So So that's not a big deal at all. Any of us could in theory at any point decide to leave the board. Um, I I will say I really enjoy doing the comprehensive plan and it would be awesome to see it through. I don't I can see benefits to having me be on the implementation committee, but I think

092it would be really exciting to have a new planning board member who's thrilled to do the implementation component. I do want to say it's a multi-year process. So, it's not a joke of a process. Um, but that's kind of my two cents that if there is no strong interest on the board, I'll step up, but I think there's benefits to new blood on the implementation side of this thing as well. So, I'm not going to fight for it if there's someone who's like allin for a few years. Well, and also I guess just because we're in this uh discussing this kind of role, I'm going to put out there as well that as of May, I will be completing my fifth year as chair of the board and and just sort of to think about

093roles that may take a bit of time. I am going to be looking for someone that either would like to step up and be chair and I would be very happy to be a very supportive vice chair that trains and and helps that person into that role. It does take quite a bit of time or you know or continue another year as chair uh but have a vice chair that is in training kind of like you said the board you were on right that the the person is in training to ideally obviously no one knows what the future holds but to step up the next year because I'm getting kind of tired. you need a break. >> And um those are two big roles. So chair, vice chair, and implementation committee could all be could

094be three big roles. So may not be ready to figure that out right now, but give it some thought and and I was pretty green when I stepped into this role. So do not be afraid. >> I mean, I will say ideally we should come to the 26 with some idea of who's going to do it. >> You know what I mean? That's the ideal. Um, >> but it's a lot of pressure today to just decide that. We don't have any meetings before the 26th, right? >> No. >> Um, >> I'm not sure. I'm not sure that has to be decided on on the 26th, but >> but you want to form it quickly forward. It may just round the corner and >> Yes. >> So, >> I mean, you're right. On the 26th, we

095could just agree to the process with the select board and then very quickly we want to make that decision. What's So, the meeting the following meeting would be what? March 12th. >> Yes. >> So in theory this, you know, if if we all agree on it in February, in March, we can post and make the selection on March 12th as to who that is on this board. >> I mean, in theory, we can we can immediately post to the comprehensive plan committee. >> Yolanda and I could do that. We were on that committee. So it could move really quickly and then be formed in March to start >> start meeting. So >> could be fast >> right from them. And if not we would have to have another joint meeting in March to vote for

096>> whoever we can't find. >> Um so yeah to Trisha's point we don't need a decision by the 26th. But like if somebody's really into it email Trisha Jasmine. >> Yeah please. >> So that we can start contemplating it maybe. Right. No, >> sounds great. >> If people are pulling papers and need help, just let me know. I do my best. >> So, >> all right, that covers D. >> Okay. So, um reports, um CPC, anything, Scott? >> Um I missed the last meeting and our next one is Tuesday. Okay. >> Coming up. So, >> all right. So, >> I don't think there's a ton on the agenda, but >> okay, >> I'll be there. >> We'll catch up with you then. Metro West Regional Collaborative, anything happening there? >> I missed the last one

097as well, but I got an email today to figure out about the open meeting law training and there's a certificate that I need to submit. So, I need to get >> Oh, for that. Yeah. >> Oh, okay. Um, so yes, but I think then I don't remember when the next meeting was scheduled. >> Usually toward the end of the month, >> I think there's one on next I might be making that up. I want to say it's next Thursday. >> Okay. I thought I just missed the meeting, but maybe it's been a while. >> March. Sorry. >> All right. And then we already heard about comprehensive plan. >> Yes. At 3:00 next Thursday. >> Yes. >> I thought they were usually first thing in the morning. They changed. >> Yeah, that one's maybe just this

098one. 3 to 4 >> one off. Okay. >> Oh, it helps. >> Yeah. Okay, good. >> I have a 10:00 and the meeting seems to go away. >> Oh, all right. So, and then the last thing on that list is a discussion for the sitewalk. We have um Eversource um every year it's every year, right? They they kind of put on um make a proposal of >> trees that need to be trimmed back or cut down. And >> is it they have a is it bigger than usual this year? Is that the the thing or is just more than normal? But for some reason, I forget and I apologize because the gentleman did explain it. But yes, this is a longer list than usual because for some reason the last time they wanted to do

099it, something happened and they couldn't get out. So the list is almost twice as long as it usually is. But Melissa did go out with our conservation agent, Rebecca Solomon, and with the Eversource representative, Matthew, and she did take a picture of every tree that they're proposing. So if you if you would like to make a sitewalk, that that's great. Let us know. You don't technically have to post it. If you do not, you cannot speak about it if you're on site though is the only caveat. If you would like to speak about it on site, just let us know and we'll just post it like a public hearing 48 hours in advance. And if it's something that you don't think is feasible, we have all of the pictures available that we'll be sending. And

100Matt did say he would be work he'll walk through in his presentation and identify which trees are pictures in. >> Yeah, >> there's a lot of roads. >> There's a lot. So, I don't think I I can't imagine it's going to be a sitewalk to see everything because >> it's going to be a very long >> I But my question is I guess my question is it would it be worth having some kind of meeting to get an understanding of what these what these requests are that come through us, >> how they look at and determine. I mean, they show us pictures and they describe it and I think they do a pretty good job at that, but do we want to see anything on site or are we good with you said Becca and

101um who else went out there? >> Melissa. Okay, Becca and Melissa. >> Um >> and Becca is also our tree warden as well. She's our conservation agent, but also our tree warden. >> So, she's out there and it's really they're just clearing. It's on scenic roadways, which is why they need the hearing. It's really just to make sure that their utility easements and everything and the lines are cleared. It's why they choose these trees. But Matt would have a much better explanation about why these specific limbs or trees need to be removed. >> Discussion about whether or not to trim the tree. >> Is it about trim this tree a little bit more than you you plan to? Is that what >> they have certain they have certain dimensions around the wires around which they

102trim. Right. So, and then so that's one g category of the work that they're doing. Second category is is a list of trees to be removed because they're they're you know in bad health. They may fall, you know, dangerous trees or whatever. And that list is is longer than I expected. >> Um how many I want to say like >> over 40 trees. >> 40 trees. >> Over 40. >> That seems like a lot. >> It seemed like a lot. So >> and our scenic roadway bylaw, which I can send to you so you can review it. You should review it before their hearing. When is the hearing? >> This is March 12th. >> Okay. >> I want No. Or is it I'm sorry. It may be the 26th. Let me double check on that.

103>> So, the question is, would we want to maybe have a time where we could go at least to one spot and say, "This is representative of the type of trees we're dealing with. This is one needs to be trimmed back. This one needs to be taken down." We've never done that before. but we've never gone out and and actually seen what are these things about like you know >> so I think with 40 that really concerns me typically from what I recall in my time on the board it's a piece of paper that there's like four or five trees at the most being >> impacted this time >> if we've got 40 of them that gives me great concern because unless there's some sort of illness that is suddenly hitting Ashland >> this seems

104like something quite sudden and surprising to me because I think the last time we had this with Peter being the planner We're talking like fairly recently, like in the last 6 to 12 months. So, I would be shocked if suddenly in that period of time, we have 40 trees that have become unhealthy. On the other hand, if there's been storms and issues that have destabilized these trees, >> I'd like to understand that and actually see what that looks like. It seems quite severe to me. >> There was some I'm I'm not 100%, but there was some infestation of trees because I know my yard got hit with that. >> Yeah. And I don't know if it has to do with that. It's also you have to understand that they they look at certain roots each

105year and so you know that it's not that all these trees suddenly appeared. that they haven't looked at those roots in how however many years because they do them on a rotating basis, right? The the I think the roots, >> you know, the certain roads. >> I think we have Yeah. I mean, I think it's a great idea is the bottom line and I'm just going to throw out there that Eversource interests and decision-m technically could be quite different from our obligation. We do have jurisdiction to protect these trees, >> right? These two things will have a point of conflict. Like I'm not going to just agree with whatever >> understood. That's why that's why I you know also have a tendency to um to ask Becca who does have an expertise >> and who

106is dealing with this stuff every day. Absolutely. >> And the applicant was more than willing to be present on the site visa as well. So you could ask >> So is Becca agreeing with the 40? Um, I would have to ask her if she agrees with all of them, but she is very studious in what she does and she would be the I think in my opinion one of the first people to recommend this tree doesn't need to come down. >> I guess what I'm saying is has she already opined that this is recommended for all 40. >> I would have to she hasn't said that she this is outrageous and she did go out and it did sound but I haven't asked her that specifically but I certainly could but she didn't she didn't

107say like you know these are really unreasonable or this is way too many. It does sound like there's a lot of work that needs to be done, but obviously >> Well, what kind of um uh knowing that this would be in a very difficult thing to coordinate, what kind of time frames work for people that would like to attend? Now, if you're like, "Hey, I'm good. It's not required that you attend, but if you would, if you have an interest in attending, >> throw out some times that actually work for you. Like some, hey, I can do." So I sometimes have flexibility Wednesday, Thursday midday. Like if we can do like a late lunchtime like a 1 pm or something like that. >> Wednesday and Thursdays I tend to be more midday flexible. Um >>

108how much time are we thinking? One hour, two hours. >> I think it could easily just be an hour. It's I think it's I think it's going to be giving a sampling. I think they have the roads laid out that we you can look and drive along every road yourself. But I think it's about sampling an un at least for me it's like an hour sampling of an understanding that then I can apply to other situations. >> The other thing I'll say is like the sun is setting later now and so like an early evening could also work on Wednesday Thursday are usually good for me. >> Like a 5:00 would exactly >> I'm I'm with you on the time like noonish. >> Wednesdays are open until 7. So if you want to do Wednesday,

109>> so it could be like a Wednesday at 5, >> which would be great, assuming the majority are available. >> So it's not midday, but right as the day ends. >> I could do either one of those. >> I prefer the five because then I could actually stay for the full hour. >> Not that I'm worried about it necessarily, but we think about traffic. It's on a public road. A scenic road typically is public road. So we got to worry about, >> right, >> commuter traffic. >> Yeah. >> You know, people are not exactly driving well. >> Yeah. We could also like commute together. Like in theory, we could meet here at the planning board at the We could meet us at this building and all get into one car. >> We would try to

110have to try Becca would probably be able to pick up pick out a good site where people could stand and observe without getting run over. >> Yes. >> Yeah. But I'd rather like if co drive with someone so we're not parking six cars, right? >> So should we should we should we look for like a Wednesday at 5 in beginning of March before the when >> they're here? They'll be actually before you on the 26th because they we only have 30 days to post a hearing. >> Oh. Of of February. >> So they will be on for the 26th of February. You obviously don't have to make a decision that day, but we have to open it at least on the 26th. >> So we can open it, but we can >> Yeah. I don't

111see us. Well, I mean, we can >> at least have them give the presentation and then you say we'd like to schedule a sitewalk to review and >> Yeah. >> and continue it to the next. >> I would say we do that. We open it on the 26th. we get all the information and then we know what we're looking at when we get there and then we discuss it again on the on the 12th or whatever once we have all that knowledge. So I would be saying looking for a sidewalk maybe in still in beginning of March. >> That would be great. >> So does that >> seems reasonable. >> Okay. >> Maybe but um when we get closer we'll figure it out. >> Okay. Why don't we look for the first Wednesday in March?

112>> Perfect. If at five. Yeah. Do you want me to send that out to everybody so you can all look at calendars? Yeah. That would be what? March. >> Yeah. I'm not I'm not going to Asia in March. So, >> you're not? >> Nope. Thankfully. >> Thankfully. Oh, I would >> You're not going to China for 10 days. >> Good for you. >> Uh it's the 4th. Sorry. So, it's March 4th. very much. >> Just follow the laws and don't get arrested. >> Okay. All right. So, um tree walk. Um, >> but what would also be helpful I in my head I think the last time we saw this was January 2025 or maybe earlier. It feels like it's been a while >> Yeah. And maybe there was just one specific street that we had

113that >> to Anna's point there were about four or five trees in one. So maybe comparing which street that was >> that would help >> compared to where this is coming up. Maybe to ever's point if it is not the same streets that they've looked up. >> It is some of them how and cross streets were the ones in 2020 last year and they have how and cross streets again. >> That's why I'm not really happy about this >> because I think it's the exact same street. >> So you can see >> and again a lot can change. there's, you know, weather changes and storms and it's been a rough winter. It's been a rough couple months. >> Yeah. And also, do we know that the work was actually done that, you know, the maybe

114it wasn't and so it carried over carried over? >> Yeah. Just because it was approved doesn't mean it was done. >> If this is a repeat, then great. But that's not what it sounds like. >> Yeah. So, we can get the information that way. Okay. >> Perfect. >> So, um, all right. ongoing and new projects, housing production plan, 40Bs. Um, I guess we're down to unless there's anything that we really need to talk about there. We're down to meeting minutes. >> Have anything yet? >> Let's see. So, this is from January 22nd, not that long ago. So, it looks like there's some uh blank spots that need to be filled in on those meeting minutes. Like they didn't they didn't get maybe they didn't couldn't catch the name. >> Um >> so, we'll have to

115edit those and get those to you for next Oh, we did a lot that meeting. Holy cow. >> So, can we still approve these with the blanks or do we have to wait for >> No, they can be filled in later. Like, right. approve. You can approve them with amendments. >> Well, it's kind of too much here to read through really thoroughly, but it looks >> it looks good. >> It looks fine >> with the addition. >> Yeah, we're just filling in the blanks where there's some blanks. >> Any changes? No, I don't think so. >> I'll make a motion to approve the January 22nd, 2026 minutes as is with the blanks filled in. >> Second. >> And roll call. >> Anna Tesman I. >> Scott Pelier I >> and Trisha Kendall I. >> That's

116the end. >> You can't vote to approve the minutes. >> What? >> Like if you're not here, you can't vote to approve the minutes. >> I don't think so. If you weren't at the meeting, you shouldn't vote to approve them. >> Like if you watch the video or whatever or >> Oh, yeah. If you did them on the certificate. >> All right. I guess I'll make a motion to adjourn at 8:57, >> assuming no one has any other questions. >> Okay. >> Is there a second? >> I'll second. >> I >> and Trisha Kendall. All right, done for the night. >> Thank you guys. >> Thank you.